Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

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Previous history of clinical depression, anxiety or panic disorder, bipolar disease, eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

  • Poor social support, meaning you have no one you can rely on for assistance or to share intimate thoughts and feelings with.
  • Multiple or serious stressful life events, such as difficulty in family relationships or at work, a recent move, a new job or other major change, the death of a loved one, severe financial problems or the like.
  • Previous history of sever PMS, menstrual disorders, and/or difficulty becoming pregnant (signs of hormone imbalance).
  • History of childhood abuse, including emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
  • Thyroid problems or family history of thyroid problems.
  • Chronic or frequent vaginal yeast infections, or frequent antibiotic or steroid use, causing yeast overgrowth in the bowels.
  • Low-fat, low-protein diet or other poor nutrient diet, or severe morning sickness, which increase malnutrition.
  • Poor relationship with your mother.
  • A mother who had PPD.
  • Oral-contraceptive use or deceiving the Depo-Provera shot soon after delivery.
  • Stopping breastfeeding soon after delivery, either by choice or because of lack of adequate milk.
  • High weight gain during pregnancy and/or poor weight loss after pregnancy.
  • A traumatic birth experience, including unexpected cesarean section or the delivery of a preterm infant.
  • Early discharge from the hospital (less than twenty-four to forty hours).
  • Marital discord.
  • Unwanted pregnancy.
  • Women having their first baby after the age of 30.

To evaluate your risk for Postpartum Depression, please review the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

For more information/resources visit:

Depression After Delivery, Inc.
Postpartum Education for Parents
Postpartum Support International