The Difference Between 'Baby Blues' And 'Postpartum Depression'
Do not confuse the two.
13 July 2017
Editor
70-80% women go through "baby blues" post pregnancy, but only 10-20% go through postpartum depression. And there is a huge difference between the two.
Did you know that a women's estrogen and progesterone levels are the highest they will ever be when she is pregnant? And post delivery these levels plummet drastically.
This is the main reason that a woman feels lost, confused and sad post-delivery. This coupled with the fact that she has been handed a brand new baby to take care of after nine months of physical and mental exhaustion can be too much to take.
So, how do you know if you are experiencing postpartum depression or baby blues? Keep scrolling to know.
The time period
Baby blues last about 2 weeks from giving birth and postpartum depression whereas postpartum depression typically emerges over the first 2-3 months after childbirth and can continue long after.
The symptoms
Baby blues symptoms: Baby blues feel like a very bad case of PMS. You feel like crying all the time, you feel irritable, sad, anxious, and unable to concentrate.
Postpartum depression symptoms: In addition to all the symptoms you feel when you experience baby blues you also see changes in your eating/sleeping patterns, you feel a lack of connection with your baby, you feel like you have no interest in activities you once enjoyed. Other symptoms may include wanting to harm the baby or yourself, ruminating, feeling worthless, incompetent or inadequate to cope with your baby.
The intensity
While the symptoms of both may be equally intense in the beginning, baby blues do not interfere with your ability to function normally.
If the symptoms of anxiety and depression persist/become stronger even after 15 days since giving birth, it is best to consult with your OB-GYN.
The treatment.
Baby blues go away on their own whereas postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor. Treatment may include antidepressants and/therapy.
