postnatal depression

Mood change occurring in many mothers a few days after the birth of a baby, also known as ‘baby blues’. It is usually a short-lived condition but can sometimes persist; one in five women suffer a lasting depression after giving birth. The most severe form of post-natal depressive illness, puerperal psychosis, requires hospital treatment.

In mild cases, antidepressant drugs and hormone treatment may help, although no link has been established between hormonal levels and postnatal depression.