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Postpartum Depression Risk Assessment

It's natural to feel strong emotions when you're pregnant and just after you've had a baby. You may feel elated, or you may feel sad. Many birth parents have the "baby blues" just after birth. They feel sad, impatient, or irritable. These feelings usually go away in a week or two. They don't always need to be treated by a healthcare provider. For some birth parents, feelings of sadness are much more intense. These intense feelings are called postpartum depression, or PPD. Changes in hormones and brain chemistry are linked to PPD. These are not things you can control, and you may need help. Postpartum depression can be treated with medicine and counseling.

This assessment asks you questions to help you figure out your risk for postpartum depression.

1. Which of the following is true? I am currently pregnant.I have recently delivered a baby.

2. Check the statements below that apply to you:You became depressed after a previous childbirth or have a history of depression.During this pregnancy, you feel depressed or have had anxiety problems.You will have little or no support/help at home to care for this child.You and your partner are having marital or relationship problems.You have had a recent life-altering event, such as a death in the family, loss of a job, a job change, or divorce or separation.You have doubts about yourself as a person, or feel you are not worthwhile.This pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted.None of the above

2. Check the statements below that apply to you:You feel restless or irritable, or you have no energy. You feel sad or depressed, or you cry a lot.You have headaches, chest pain, fast or skipping heartbeats (heart palpitations), or fast and shallow breathing (hyperventilation).You have trouble sleeping, are very tired, or both, but these problems are not related to caring for the baby.You have no appetite and have lost weight, or you overeat and have gained weight.You have trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.You are overly worried about the baby, or you have little or no interest in the baby.You feel worthless or guilty.You have no interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, including sex.Your baby is irritable, fussy, unpredictable, and difficult to soothe.You are afraid of hurting your baby or yourself.Your baby was born prematurely, has a health problem, or you have twins or other multiples. You have little or no support or help at home to care for this child.You had a brief period of tearfulness and mood swings in the first week or so after delivery.You had a life-altering event during this pregnancy, such as a death in the family, loss of a job, a job change, or divorce or separation.None of the above

Your results

You have of the risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD). This doesn't mean you definitely will develop PPD after you have your baby. It means that you may be more likely to. You should talk this over with your healthcare provider. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing PPD after your baby is born. Even if you develop PPD, it can be treated.

You have of the symptoms or risk factors that may mean you have postpartum depression (PPD). You should talk this over with your healthcare provider. The more symptoms you checked, the more likely it is that you have PPD. If your healthcare provider says you have PPD, he or she will help you get the treatment that is best for you.

You have of the symptoms or risk factors that may mean you have postpartum depression (PPD). Because you are worried about hurting yourself or your baby, you should see your healthcare provider right away. This is an emergency. Other statements you checked may also mean you have postpartum depression. The more symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you have PPD. If your healthcare provider says you have PPD, he or she will help you get the treatment that is best for you.

You have not indicated that you have risk factors or symptoms of postpartum depression. Based on this information, you are not likely to develop, or likely to have postpartum depression. This is not an absolute guarantee. If you are worried that you might have postpartum depression, talk with your healthcare provider about your concerns.

Risk factors

You are more likely to develop PPD if you had it with a past pregnancy or if a family member has depression or another mood disorder. You are also more likely to develop PPD if you have depression or anxiety problems during pregnancy; if your personal life is stressful; and if you have few friends or family members to help you after the birth of your child. A baby who is very difficult to console, or who is sick or premature, can also increase your risk for PPD.

If you are at risk for PPD, talk with your healthcare provider before your baby is born. Find out how you can identify PPD early and get help. Mild PPD can be eased by talking with a mental health professional and getting family support. Moderate to severe PPD usually requires both counseling and medicine.

Your new baby

Caring for a newborn can be stressful. Here are suggestions to help you cope:

Try to nap when the baby naps.
Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals.
Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask your partner, a friend, or family member for help with household chores and other tasks.
Share your feelings with your spouse, partner, a friend, or family member.
If possible, get out of the house every day for a short walk or to run an errand.
Talk to other people who have had PPD. Find out how they managed this challenging time.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional health care. Always see a healthcare provider for advice about your health or your baby's health. Only your healthcare provider can determine whether you have postpartum depression.

Online Medical Reviewer: Ballas, Paul MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Trevino, Heather M, BSN, RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Watson, L Renee RN, BSN

Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023

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