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Prognosis

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By Editorial Team

3 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: October 2023

Welcoming a new baby into the world is often a joyful and exciting time in a person's life. But for some new parents, this period can bring unexpected challenges, including postpartum depression (PPD).1

PPD is a serious mental health condition that affects some parents, typically mothers, after giving birth. It is marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Unlike the "baby blues," which are common and typically resolve within a few weeks, PPD is more severe and longer-lasting. It can greatly impact a person's ability to care for themselves and their baby.1

How long can postpartum depression last?

Postpartum depression is not a one-size-fits-all experience. How long PPD lasts can vary from person to person. For some, symptoms may improve within a few weeks or months. For others, they may last for a year or even longer.2-4

A 2020 study found that one-fourth of participants still had depression symptoms 3 years after giving birth. If depression symptoms last that long after childbirth, it is considered major depressive disorder (MDD) and should be treated with therapy and medicine. And if a person has had depression symptoms before pregnancy, PPD can lead to MDD relapse.2-4

Factors affecting prognosis

“Prognosis” refers to how a condition will develop, and potentially resolve, in a person over time. Many factors can influence the prognosis of PPD. This includes:1,5,6

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  • Early treatment – Seeking help as early as possible is crucial. The sooner PPD is identified and treated, the better the chances of a quick recovery.
  • Severity of symptoms – How severe PPD symptoms are plays a role in prognosis. People with milder symptoms may experience those symptoms for a shorter time.
  • Support system – A strong support system can help parents better navigate the challenges of PPD. A good support system may include family, friends, and healthcare experts.
  • Underlying risk factors – Pre-existing mental health conditions, a history of depression or anxiety, and stressful life events can affect the course of PPD.

When receiving treatment for PPD, it is important to continue that treatment even if you are feeling better. Stopping treatment too early or abruptly can allow symptoms to come back. It is important to work with your provider to manage your healthcare plan.5

Consequences of untreated postpartum depression

Untreated PPD can have serious and far-reaching consequences for the mother, baby, and family. Untreated PPD can have the following impact:5,6

  • Mother-child bonding struggles – PPD can make bonding with your baby more difficult.
  • Long-term mental health effects – Studies show that anxiety and depression are more common 1 year after childbirth in women with PPD.
  • Strained relationships – PPD can strain relationships within the family unit, among friends, and in social networks.
  • Sexual health and partner intimacy problems – A couple’s sex life can suffer when 1 or both parents are living with PPD.
  • Development delays in infants – PPD can affect a baby’s physical health, brain development, and sleep health. For example, it can affect their language and motor development.

Identifying postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe form of PPD. It usually occurs within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:7

  • Hearing voices that are not actually there (hallucinations)
  • Paranoia
  • Severe mood swings
  • Confusion
  • Thoughts of suicide or doing harm to yourself or your baby

This condition requires immediate medical attention. It poses serious risks to both mother and baby. Mothers with a history of bipolar disorder or a previous episode of postpartum psychosis are at higher risk. However, postpartum psychosis also can occur in people without a history of mental illness.7

Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical help.7

Treatment typically involves hospitalization, prescription drugs, and psychotherapy. With prompt and appropriate care, many people with postpartum psychosis can fully recover.5,7

Treatment for postpartum depression

There are effective treatment options for PPD. Treatment usually starts with a combination of psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) and antidepressant drugs.1

Here are other things you can do to help with PPD:3

  • Exclusively breastfeeding, if possible. This means using no formula to feed your child.
  • Get as much rest as you can.
  • Sleep when your baby is sleeping.
  • Eat a nourishing diet.
  • Do not try to be “perfect.”
  • Share your feelings with your partner, friends, and family.
  • Consider joining a support group for other mothers with PPD.

Seeking help

Postpartum depression is a serious and complex condition that can affect anyone after childbirth. New parents and their loved ones need to understand its prognosis, what can affect its outcome, and the effects of leaving it untreated.5

PPD is treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know has PPD or postpartum psychosis, get help as soon as possible.1,5