Beginning around the 2nd or 3rd day after birth, a woman may feel sad, weepy, anxious and moody. These feelings generally last a few hours to a week and subside without the need for treatment.
Postpartum mood disorders and depression are marked by more intense feelings of:
- sadness
- anxiety
- despair
These feelings can affect a mother's ability to care for herself and her new baby. One in 5 women who have a baby may develop this condition.
If not recognized and treated, postpartum depression may become worse or last longer than necessary.