Mente y estado de ánimo
Postnatal depression
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraFeeling low for a few days after birth is very common. If low mood is severe or lasts longer than 2 weeks, it may be postnatal depression, which can be treated.
Baby blues or depression
Many people feel down, anxious or irritable for a few days after giving birth. This is often called the baby blues. It is very common and usually passes within 2 weeks. Postnatal depression (also called postpartum depression) is different. It is a common mental health condition, and the feelings are more severe or last longer. It can begin during pregnancy, soon after birth, or at any time up to a year after.
Signs to look out for
Signs include low mood, finding it hard to enjoy anything, and feeling hopeless or unable to cope. You may feel guilty or worthless, or feel that you are a bad parent. Some people worry all the time, feel restless or irritable, cannot sleep even when they get the chance to rest, or find it hard to concentrate. You may have difficult feelings about your baby or find it hard to bond. Having these feelings is not your fault.
Why it happens
Several things may play a part. These include the hormone changes of pregnancy and birth, lack of sleep, and the physical and emotional demands of caring for a new baby. Other stress, such as pressure at work or past trauma, can add to it. You are more likely to have it if you or a close relative have had depression or bipolar disorder before. Partners, including fathers, can also have depression after a baby arrives.
Treatment and support
Postnatal depression can be treated. Options include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), antidepressant medicines, or both. Many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, ask a doctor which ones suit you. Staying connected with friends and family can also help. You do not have to wait until you feel very unwell to ask for support.
When to get help
Talk to a doctor, nurse or midwife if you think you might have postnatal depression, or if low mood lasts more than 2 weeks after the birth. If you are thinking about harming yourself or your baby, or about ending your life, get emergency help or contact a crisis line now.
A rare emergency: postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious illness. It affects about 1 in 1,000 mothers and usually starts suddenly in the first 2 weeks after birth, often within hours or days. Signs include seeing or hearing things that are not there, believing things that are not true, feeling unusually high or suspicious, fast-changing moods and confusion. It is a medical emergency. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, get emergency help straight away. With treatment, most people recover fully. If you have bipolar disorder or have had psychosis before, tell your doctor or midwife during pregnancy.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are struggling after having a baby, talk to a doctor, nurse or midwife.