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You just brought a new life into the world — a time that’s supposed to feel joyful, fulfilling, and full of love. Instead, you might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even empty. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Postpartum depression (PPD) — also referred to as perinatal depression or postnatal depression — affects up to 1 in 8 women who have recently given birth, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Postpartum depression can also affect birthing and non-birthing parents of any gender.
Having PPD doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or that you’re doing something wrong. PPD is a medical condition, not a reflection of your ability to care for your baby. While the exact cause of PPD isn’t fully understood, we do know that it’s influenced by a mix of hormonal, genetic, and other factors.
In this article, we’ll explore five causes and risk factors for postpartum depression. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, and get help right away if you need it.
Hormonal changes after childbirth are one of the main factors linked to PPD. During pregnancy, your body produces high levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help maintain the pregnancy and prepare your body for delivery. However, within hours after birth, these levels drop significantly. This sudden change can disrupt the balance of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood.
Another hormone that may play a role is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” Cortisol levels can spike due to the physical exertion of childbirth, as well as the stress and lack of sleep new parents experience afterward. High cortisol levels over time can alter mood-regulating brain chemicals, too.
Another piece of the puzzle could be the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland regulates energy and mood, and some people experience thyroid dysfunction after giving birth. Some people develop postpartum thyroiditis, a condition where thyroid hormone levels become too high or too low. Both scenarios can lead to mood changes, fatigue, and depressive symptoms.
These hormonal shifts are a natural part of how your body adapts after childbirth. If you’re struggling with mood changes, talk to your doctor. Treatments like therapy, medication, or even thyroid supplements can help restore balance.
Your genetics may also influence your risk of postpartum depression. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that if a new mother had a family history of depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders, she was nearly twice as likely to develop PPD. Researchers believe that certain genetic factors can make individuals more sensitive to hormonal changes or stress. This can increase the risk for depression following childbirth, when hormone levels are changing drastically.
Knowing your family history can help you be prepared. If your parent or sibling experienced PPD or has a history of mental illness, or if you have had PPD before, talk to your health care provider during pregnancy or in the weeks after your child is born.
Genetics alone don’t determine whether you’ll experience PPD. Environmental and situational factors also play a role. However, if you know you’re at higher risk, you can take preventive steps. These might include regular checkups with a mental health provider or joining a support group for new parents.
If you’ve struggled with mental health issues before, you’re more likely to experience PPD. Conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder don’t disappear when you become a parent. In fact, the postpartum period can sometimes intensify these challenges. If you’ve been diagnosed with a depressive disorder or experienced depressive episodes in the past, tell your health care team. Pregnancy and childbirth are major life events. For many, they bring additional physical and emotional stress.
If you’ve had PPD during a previous pregnancy, you’re more likely to have it again. This doesn’t mean it's guaranteed to happen, but it’s something to watch for. Talking to a health care provider before giving birth can help you plan for potential challenges.
It’s not just diagnosed mental health conditions that matter. High levels of stress or undiagnosed mental health struggles can also increase your risk. If you’ve felt overwhelmed or “not yourself” during pregnancy, it’s important to reach out. Early intervention can make a big difference in preventing or managing PPD.
Trauma and stressful events, both past and present, can contribute to PPD risk. For some, a history of trauma — like childhood abuse, sexual assault, or intimate partner violence — can resurface after giving birth. Pregnancy and childbirth are deeply personal experiences that can stir up old memories or feelings, especially if your child’s birth didn’t go as planned.
A traumatic birth can itself be a trigger for PPD. If you experienced complications during labor, an emergency cesarean section, or a loss of control during the birth process, these events can leave emotional scars. Some people may even develop postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition linked to specific traumatic events during birth.
Stressful life events during or after pregnancy can also play a big role. Financial worries, job loss, or housing insecurity can add layers of stress to an already challenging time. Losing a loved one or experiencing major changes in your support system can amplify feelings of isolation or sadness.
Lifestyle factors, relationship changes, and your overall life circumstances can play a role in postpartum depression, too. Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest culprits. Newborns need constant care, which means your sleep is often disrupted. Over time, a lack of sleep can affect your mood, decision-making abilities, and overall mental health. Nutrition plays a role, too. Skipping meals or eating poorly can affect energy levels and brain function, making depressive symptoms worse.
Relationships can be helpful, but they can also be a source of stress. Lack of social support from a partner, family, or friends can leave you feeling isolated and burdened. Miscommunication or disagreements about parenting roles can add to the emotional load.
According to the U.S. Office on Women’s Health, you may be at higher risk for developing PPD if you:
Postpartum depression doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Some people feel sad, hopeless, or irritable. Others might experience anxiety, mood swings, or even a sense of disconnection from their baby. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms like these, reach out to your health care team.
Dial the following numbers to reach emergency help:
You can also go straight to your nearest emergency room for help.
Remember, postpartum depression is treatable. Options like therapy, medication, and support groups can make a big difference. You’re not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people living with all types of depression, including postpartum depression, and their loved ones. Members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with PPD.
Did you know about the risk factors for postpartum depression before your baby was born? Do you have any advice for others managing these risks? Share your experience, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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