Key takeaways
- Perinatal (formerly postpartum) depression is a real condition many pregnant people face before and after giving birth.
- It is different from “baby blues" and symptoms last for at least two weeks.
- Researchers don’t know what causes perinatal depression, but it’s treatable with medication, therapy, and support.
- If you’re in a crisis and need help, call 988 for the Crisis Lifeline.
Perinatal depression is a serious but treatable mental health condition that can affect new moms anytime from the beginning of pregnancy through the first year after giving birth. It can include symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, guilt, trouble bonding, sleep problems, and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. Pregnant people and parents can get help through healthcare providers, medication, support, and therapy.
Perinatal depression is a common problem people experience either during or after pregnancy. In a national survey, about 1 in 8 women reported having postpartum depression after having a baby, according to the National Child & Maternal Health Education Program.1 Even though many people experience perinatal depression, it is treatable.
Here’s what you need to know about perinatal depression.
What is perinatal depression?
Perinatal depression, formerly called postpartum depression, is a period of depression that happens during pregnancy or after having a baby, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.2
It used to be called postpartum depression, but changed because people who are still pregnant or lose a pregnancy can also develop depression. “Perinatal depression” covers all pregnancy-related depression disorders.
Symptoms of perinatal depression
While everyone’s experience of perinatal depression can be different, there are a range of common symptoms.2
Perinatal depression symptoms can include:
- Sadness, anxiety, or an “empty” mood
- Irritability, frustration, restlessness
- Feeling hopelessness or pessimistic
- Feeling guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping (even when your baby is sleeping)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Abnormal appetite changes
- Trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with your baby
- Thoughts of death, harming yourself or the baby, or suicide attempts
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your medical provider. Even if you’re not experiencing perinatal depression, your provider can help you get the appropriate treatment.
What are “baby blues” and how are they different from perinatal depression?
Many people confuse the baby blues with perinatal depression, but they are different. Baby blues usually involve feelings of worry, unhappiness, or exhaustion in the first two weeks after giving birth.2
Perinatal depression can include more symptoms that last longer. If you have symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks, you may be experiencing perinatal depression.
Risk factors for perinatal depression
Any pregnant person can develop perinatal depression. It’s not caused by something you did or didn’t do—it just happens. The physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, childbirth, caring for a newborn, and hormonal changes can contribute to perinatal depression.2
Some people with the following circumstances may have a higher risk for perinatal depression:
- Personal history of anxiety or depression at any time in your life, including past pregnancies
- Family history of depression or anxiety
- Difficult pregnancy or birth in the past
- Giving birth to multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Relationship or financial stressors
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Little to no support from family or friends1
There’s no single cause for perinatal depression, but a combination of environmental, emotional, and physical factors seem to be involved.1
Treatment and support for perinatal depression
Treatment for perinatal depression is similar to depression. Your provider may recommend therapy, medication, or both for perinatal depression symptoms.
If you’re experiencing depression while you’re pregnant, you can safely take certain antidepressants to reduce symptoms.1 Talk to your provider about your options—you don’t need to wait until your baby is born before seeking help.
Support for perinatal depression
Outside of therapy and medications, support groups can be a helpful resource. You can ask your therapist or medical provider if they have information on nearby groups, or you can find online support. Websites like Postpartum Support International have directories of local and online support groups, classes, and peer mentors.
Take care of yourself, too
Even if you have a newborn to care for, making time to practice self-care can make a big difference. The Office on Women’s Health recommends:
- Talking about your feelings with trusted people
- Sleeping as much as you can—ask someone to help care for your baby if needed
- Visiting family and friends
- Spending time with your partner
- Connecting with other expecting or new moms
- Asking for help with things around the house, grocery shopping, and childcare3
Additionally, make sure you’re eating plenty of nutritious foods and staying physically active.
Where to start when you need help
If you think you’re experiencing perinatal depression, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can go over your symptoms and help you decide on the best treatment. To find a mental health or healthcare provider, visit our website.
If you’re in a crisis and need help, call 988 for the Crisis Lifeline or 911 for emergency care.
Frequently asked questions about perinatal depression
Yes, perinatal depression can affect dads. It’s called paternal postpartum depression. A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine concluded that fathers should also be included in perinatal mental health programs.4
Yes, it’s common for people to experience depression after a pregnancy loss or stillbirth.5 Reach out to your provider if you have depression symptoms after miscarriage or stillbirth.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
Sources
1. Moms' Mental Health Matters, National Child & Maternal Health Education Program, 2022
2. Perinatal Depression, National Institute of Mental Health
3. Finding Support for Postpartum Depression, Office on Women’s Health, 2026
4. Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Systematic Review, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024
5. Predictors of depressive symptoms and depression in women with previous pregnancy loss, British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2025
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