What Is Peripartum Depression?

By; Kristelle Mallah, LMFT

Harmful Assumptions about Having Children

There are many assumptions around pregnancy, labor, delivery, and raising kids. Some of the assumptions that can be very impactful and sometimes harmful include:

  • Pregnancy is always planned

  • Pregnancy is very easy or very hard

  • Natural delivery is the healthy way to go

  • Breastfeeding will come naturally and is the best method of feeding

  • Strong women don't need epidural 

  • Being a mother is instinctual 

  • Good mothers do it all. 

There are many more assumptions and expectations that end up putting a lot of pressure on women and affecting their emotional and psychological wellbeing. I bet if you are reading this you will be able to identify at least one that resonates with you!

Pregnancy can trigger different emotions, including excitement, joy, fear, sadness and anxiety. Pregnancy and postpartum result in various biological, emotional, and social changes that leave women in need of adjustments to cope with their new reality. During this period, some women are more vulnerable to developing Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

What are Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders?

Perinatal period refers to the period ranging from the time of conception to one year after birth. 

It is very important to note that mental health problems are not only limited to after delivery; research has shown that a lot of women experience mental health problems during their pregnancy as well. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) include depression, bipolar and psychosis, Obsessive compulsive disorder, General anxiety disorder, PTSD and panic attacks. PMADS go undiagnosed, hence leaving women struggling in silence and not receiving appropriate support and services to help them feel better and like themselves again.

In this article, I will focus on Peripartum depression and will discuss its symptoms and ways to seek support.

Peripartum depression 

Peripartum depression was previously referred to as postpartum depression. It is referred to depression that is experienced during pregnancy and/or after childbirth. It is important to recognize that women can experience symptoms of depression during their pregnancy, not just after delivery. According to the American psychological association, one in seven women experiences peripartum depression.


Peripartum depression is different from baby blues. 

Baby blues last a few days to two weeks after giving birth and is usually experienced three to five days after delivery. Baby blues appear as sadness, tearfulness, reactivity, and exhaustion. 60-80 percent of women experience baby blues. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is not baby blues and requires further assessment to determine the course of help and support needed.

Symptoms of Peripartum depression include:

  • Sadness for most of the day 

  • Loss of interest and joy especially around bonding with the baby 

  • Sleep disturbance 

  • Weight change

  • Fatigue or loss of energy 

  • Agitation 

  • Feelings of worthlessness

  • Recurrent thought of death

  • Feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt

  • Poor concentration


A woman experiencing peripartum depression might experience several of the above symptoms for more than 2 weeks. Peripartum depression leaves women feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope with becoming a parent, feeling disconnected from the baby and self, feeling of guilt, experiencing social isolation coupled with some anxiety, agitation, and irritability. If you are reading all this and you relate to most of the points discussed, you are not alone and there is a community that is ready to support you to start feeling like yourself again.


Some resources that will be helpful to you:

  • PSI: Postpartum support international is an organization that is dedicated to support mothers, fathers, and families. Postpartum Support International - PSI. The website has plenty of resources including mental health professionals that are trained to helping women living with PMADS

  •  1-800-944-4773 is the PSI helpline that is there to help support you in finding the resources and help needed

Kirstelle Mallah is a Licensed Marriage + Family Therapist in Pennsylvania and New York. Kristelle supports expecting and new parents in Pennsylvania and New York navigate the challenges of planning for and raising children, as well as offering support and treatment for pregnancy and child birth related mood changes, including peripartum depression. To read more about Kristelle click here.


Elizabeth EarnshawA Better Life Therapy