Physiology of Postpartum Depression

Some women aren’t sure if the depressed feelings they experience after the birth of their child is postpartum depression or if it is actually just the baby blues. To help you distinguish between the two, here is a comparative list of symptoms.

Signs of the Baby Blues Signs of Postpartum Depression
  • Weepiness
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Loneliness
  • Restlessness
  • Impatience
  • Symptoms are generally mild, begin within four days after giving birth and last for no more than two weeks
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Feeling sad and crying more than usual
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Change in eating habits
  • Change in weight
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
  • Lack of interest or over interest in baby
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness, and/or hyperventilating
  • Symptoms can occur at any point during the first year after giving birth and are felt more intensely than with the blue blues