Postpartum Depression

You can experience depression or anxiety anytime during or after pregnancy, but help and support are available.

Closeup shot of two unrecognizable people holding hands in comfort

During and after pregnancy, you might feel a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to overwhelmed, hopeless, or anxious. If you’re experiencing signs of postpartum depression, our caring team is here to support you and help you feel better again.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. "Perinatal" means that these symptoms can happen during your pregnancy or the year after birth.

These symptoms can include: 

  • Anxiety, intrusive or repetitive thoughts, or excessive worry
  • Confusion, memory loss, or poor concentration
  • Depression or sadness
  • Exaggerated highs or lows
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Feelings of inadequacy
  • Fear of harming yourself or your baby
  • Guilt
  • Hopelessness
  • Lack of interest in sexual activity
  • Nervousness
  • Over-concern or lack of concern for the baby
  • Panic attacks
  • Sleeping or eating problems
  • Uncontrollable crying

Types of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Up to 80% of new parents experience "baby blues" in the first few days following delivery. You may cry for no apparent reason or be impatient, irritable, restless, or anxious. These normal postpartum emotions usually disappear within two to three weeks after delivery. 

However, some people experience significant depression and anxiety symptoms that interfere with their daily lives and interactions with others.

There are several forms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including: 

  • Depression or anxiety during and after pregnancy (most common): feeling anger, sadness, irritability, and other symptoms noted above
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder during or after pregnancy: having repetitive or obsessive thoughts and a need to do things over and over to reduce anxious thoughts
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder after pregnancy: distress after pregnancy caused by a traumatic birth experience
  • Bipolar mood disorder: often diagnosed during or after pregnancy, symptoms include severe depression, anxiety, or mania (continuous high energy)
  • Postpartum psychosis: a rare, severe, and dangerous condition with symptoms that include hearing voices or having hallucinations and distrusting those around them

If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy or after you deliver, you should immediately contact your OB provider.

Postpartum Depression Screening at Virtua

Virtua offers postpartum depression screening in the hospital after you give birth. You also may be screened for postpartum depression during pregnancy at your prenatal visits and after you deliver at your newborn’s first well-baby visit.

Take a depression screening online

If you or a loved one is concerned about your postpartum depression risk, we encourage you to take this online screening.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a screening tool designed to help determine your risk for developing depression and anxiety during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.

The screening consists of 10 questions that take less than five minutes to answer. The answers provided are confidential; only you have access to them.

After completing the screening, we advise printing the results so you can discuss them with your doctor or midwife. This helps your provider determine if you're experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety and helps guide your treatment.

Take the depression screening.

Postpartum Depression Support at Virtua

Virtua offers several services to help with postpartum depression and anxiety. This includes:

  • Depression screening in the hospital after delivery
  • Weekly postpartum depression support group, open to people during and after pregnancy
  • Education and referral for treatment options that may include medication and counseling
  • Coordinating care with your obstetrician or midwife
  • Additional support through follow-up telephone calls

Virtua also offers telephone support for information and referrals at 866-380-2229, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additional local and national resources

The Virtua Difference for Postpartum Depression Care

Leading the way for women in South Jersey

Virtua Health was one of the first health systems in South Jersey to offer a comprehensive postpartum depression support program. The program provides screening, treatment referrals and coordination, and a support group.

Leading the way for women in South Jersey

Virtua Health was one of the first health systems in South Jersey to offer a comprehensive postpartum depression support program. The program provides screening, treatment referrals and coordination, and a support group.

Comprehensive breastfeeding support

Learning to breastfeed takes patience, and Virtua offers the support you need to start (and continue) breastfeeding successfully. This includes prenatal breastfeeding classes, help with breastfeeding in the hospital after delivery, and support groups. We also have international board-certified lactation consultants for in-hospital support and private in-person and telehealth consultations.

Comprehensive breastfeeding support

Learning to breastfeed takes patience, and Virtua offers the support you need to start (and continue) breastfeeding successfully. This includes prenatal breastfeeding classes, help with breastfeeding in the hospital after delivery, and support groups. We also have international board-certified lactation consultants for in-hospital support and private in-person and telehealth consultations.

Offering knowledge families need to prepare for parenthood

Virtua offers a variety of expert-led maternity classes and support groups for moms, dads, and grandparents. Topics include childbirth preparation, prenatal yoga, labor basics, multiples preparation, and more. Some support groups and classes are offered virtually or as web-based classes you can access at your convenience.

Offering knowledge families need to prepare for parenthood

Virtua offers a variety of expert-led maternity classes and support groups for moms, dads, and grandparents. Topics include childbirth preparation, prenatal yoga, labor basics, multiples preparation, and more. Some support groups and classes are offered virtually or as web-based classes you can access at your convenience.

Call for postpartum depression support

Virtua offers telephone support and referrals from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Call 866-380-2229