Postpartum depression and postnatal depression are two different conditions that can affect women after giving birth. While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can occur in the first few weeks or months after a woman gives birth. It is a more severe form of the “baby blues,” which is a common experience for many new mothers. Baby blues are said to be affecting up to 80% of new mothers, and usually involve feeling weepy and overwhelmed for a couple of weeks after birth. Postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer, disrupting daily life. Postpartum depression can make it difficult for a woman to care for herself and her baby, and it can interfere with her ability to bond with her child. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue, as well as difficulty sleeping and a lack of interest in activities that the woman once enjoyed.
Postnatal depression, on the other hand, is a type of depression that can occur at any time during the first year after a woman gives birth. It is a more long-lasting form of depression that can have a significant impact on a woman’s ability to function and care for her baby. Symptoms of postnatal depression can include feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness, as well as a lack of energy and difficulty concentrating.
One of the key differences between postpartum and postnatal depression is the timing of the onset of symptoms. Postpartum depression typically begins within the first few weeks or months after a woman gives birth, while postnatal depression can occur at any time during the first year after the birth.
Another contrast is the magnitude of symptoms. The symptoms of postpartum depression are generally more severe and can disrupt a woman’s ability to care for herself or her baby. In contrast, postnatal depression can be less extreme and more chronic in nature.
It’s worth saying that postpartum and postnatal depression are serious illnesses, they need treatment, and the good thing is they are both treatable. If a woman is symptomatic of either condition, she should consult with her health care provider—whether that be a doctor or mental health therapist.
In summary, postpartum depression and postnatal (or maternity) depression are both types of depression that can occur after childbirth, but there are differences in when the symptoms begin and how severe they may be. It’s very important for women to know that this is different and if they have any symptoms of either one, they need to seek professional help.
Sources:
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/what-postpartum-depression
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2724170/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10613459/
https://doh.sd.gov/topics/mch/womens-health/postpartum-health/care-after-delivery/postpartum-depression/
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/baby-blues/
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/how-long-does-postpartum-depression-last#what-is-it
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/mca-documents/nbh/brief-postnatal-care-for-mothers-and-newborns-highlights-from-the-who-2013-guidelines.pdf
https://www.who.int/activities/raising-the-importance-of-postnatal-care
https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/depression-during-and-after-pregnancy
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Challenges-of-Being-a-New-Mom.aspx
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/How-Taking-Care-of-Yourself-Makes-you-a-Better-Mom.aspx
