What is the Difference Between Postpartum and Postnatal Depression

The key difference between postpartum and postnatal depression is that postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within the first year after giving birth, while postnatal depression is a form of depression that occurs during pregnancy or up to a year after giving birth.

Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how people feel, think, and act. Most new mothers also experience different forms of depression. Postpartum depression and postnatal depression are two terms often used interchangeably. Both forms of depression occur in new mothers after giving birth to a child. They often share some similarities, but they are different conditions.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Postpartum Depression
3. What is Postnatal Depression
4. Similarities – Postpartum and Postnatal Depression
5. Postpartum vs. Postnatal Depression in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Postpartum and Postnatal Depression
7. Summary – Postpartum vs. Postnatal Depression

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is also known as postpartum mood disorder. It is a form of depression that occurs in new mothers within the first year after giving birth. The typical symptoms of this condition may include depressed mood or severe mood swings, crying too much, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawing from family and friends, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, overwhelming tiredness, less interest, intense irritability, fear they are not good mothers, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, reduced ability to think clearly, severe anxiety, thoughts of harming oneself and recurring thoughts of death, or suicide. Genetics, physical changes, and emotional issues can cause postpartum depression. The risk factors for this condition are family history, bipolar disorder, previous postpartum depression, stressful past year, problems with the baby, difficulty in breastfeeding, problematic relationships with the spouse, weak support system, financial problems, and unplanned pregnancy.

Postpartum depression can be diagnosed through physical and psychological evaluation. Furthermore, treatment options for postpartum depression may include psychotherapy, antidepressants, antianxiety medicine, and medicine like brexanolone (zulresso).

What is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression is also referred to as perinatal depression. It has the same range of symptoms as postpartum depression; however, it has a broader time frame. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth and the challenges of adjusting to motherhood can cause postnatal depression. The symptoms of postnatal depression may include intense feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, insomnia or excessive sleep, changes in appetite and weight, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Additionally, the risk factors for this condition are a history of depression or anxiety, a lack of social support, and stressful life events.

Postnatal depression can be diagnosed through family history, physical tests, psychological tests, and blood tests. Furthermore, treatment options for postnatal depression may include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural therapy), medication like antidepressant medications, and supportive interventions.

What are the Similarities Between Postpartum and Postnatal Depression?

Postpartum depression and postnatal depression are two terms often used interchangeably.
Both forms of depression occur in new mothers after giving birth to a child.
Both forms share some similar symptoms, including sadness, anxiety, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
They can be diagnosed through physical tests and psychological tests.
They can be treated through specific medications and therapies.

What is the Difference Between Postpartum and Postnatal Depression?

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within the first year after giving birth, while postnatal depression is a form of depression that occurs during the pregnancy or up to a year after giving birth. Thus, this is the key difference between postpartum and postnatal depression. Furthermore, the risk factors for postpartum depression are family history, bipolar disorder, previous postpartum depression, stressful past year, problems with the baby, difficulty in breastfeeding, relationship issues with a spouse, weak support system, financial problems, and unplanned pregnancy, while the risk factors for postnatal depression are history of depression or anxiety, a lack of social support and stressful life events.

The infographic below presents the differences between postpartum and postnatal depression in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

FAQ: Postpartum and Postnatal Depression

What is the difference between prenatal and postnatal?

Prenatals are designed to be taken prior to and during pregnancy, while postnatals should be taken for six months after birth(or longer if you are breastfeeding).

What’s the meaning of the word “postpartum”?

It refers to the period just after delivery.

What are the signs of postpartum?

Mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping are the major signs of postpartum.

Summary – Postpartum vs. Postnatal Depression

Postpartum depression and postnatal depression are forms of depression that occur in new mothers after giving birth to a child. Postpartum depression occurs within the first year after giving birth, while postnatal depression occurs during pregnancy or up to a year after giving birth. So, this summarizes the difference between postpartum and postnatal depression.

Reference:

1. Dorlen, Rosalind S., et al. “Do You Have the Baby Blues?” Find a Psychologist.
2. “Postnatal Depression.” NHS Inform.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Worried young woman covering face with hand” (CC0) via Pexels