Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age. That’s enough to make anyone wonder if they’re going mad. But when does having a spot of baby blues become postpartum depression? The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a Postnatal depression quiz developed by experts that helps to identify signs of baby blues vs postpartum depression. Baby blues may be caused by hormonal changes in the first week or so after giving birth. Postpartum depression, after having a baby, often occurs in the coming weeks and months and can happen up to a year after the birth. Answer the questions below to start a conversation about how you’re feeling. The quiz is for use between 6–8 weeks postpartum and you should select the answer that best describes how you’ve felt in the past seven days—not just today. It is strongly recommended that you carry out the quiz with your healthcare provider (HCP).
- I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things
As much as I always could = 0
Not quite so much now = 1
Definitely not so much now = 2
Not at all = 3
- I have looked forward with enjoyment to things
As much as I ever did = 0
Rather less than I used to = 1
Definitely less than I used to = 2
Hardly at all = 3
- I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong
Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, some of the time = 2
Not very often = 1
No, never = 0
- I have been anxious or worried for no good reason
No, not at all = 0
Hardly ever = 1
Yes, sometimes = 2
Yes, very often = 3
- I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason
Yes, quite a lot = 3
Yes, sometimes = 2
No, not much = 1
No, not at all = 0
- Things have been getting on top of me
Yes, most of the time I haven’t been able to cope = 3
Yes, sometimes I haven’t been coping as well as usual = 2
No, most of the time I have coped quite well = 1
No, I have been coping as well as ever = 0
- I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping
Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, sometimes = 2
Not very often = 1
No, not at all = 0
- I have felt sad or miserable
Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, quite often = 2
Not very often = 1
No, not at all = 0
- I have been so unhappy that I have been crying
Yes, most of the time = 3
Yes, quite often = 2
Only occasionally = 1
No, never = 0
- The thought of harming myself has occurred to me
Yes, quite often = 3
Sometimes = 2
Hardly ever = 1
Never = 0
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale results
Add up your scores for each answer, if your total is 10 points or more, speak to your HCP. But bear in mind, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is just a guide so if you experience any feelings of depression after having a baby or you’re concerned about any signs of baby blues, it’s always best to seek professional help. In a recent survey supported by Nestlé, with 8,000 new parents in 16 different countries, over a quarter of moms reported suffering from baby blues—so you are not alone. (Learn more at www.theparentingindex.com) It can really help to talk—to friends and family, and your HCP will be able to put you in touch with postpartum depression counselling services and postpartum support groups if you need it. You can also search online for helplines run by trusted charities and read our checklist on coping with baby blues for more help. Being a parent is the toughest job in the world, so get the support you need so you can be your best self your little one, and remember, “This too shall pass.” You’ve got this.
SOURCES:
Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 1987; 150(6):782-786.
http://www.perinatalservicesbc.ca/health-professionals/professional-resources/health-promo/edinburgh-postnatal-depression-scale-(epds) (Accessed July 2020)
Related articles
Pregnancy Cravings 101: Everything you Need to Know
Learn all about pregnancy cravings, from common causes to effective management tips and recognizing warning signs, for a healthier pregnancy experience.
5 mins to read
Baby names help
Need baby names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to Solve Baby’s Tummy Problems
Empower yourself with the knowledge to provide comfort and relief for your little one's digestive discomfort.
5 mins to read
Bath time checklist: How to bathe a newborn
Washing a newborn for the first time can be nerve-racking as well as a lovely bonding moment. Follow our tips on how to bathe a newborn safely.
3 mins to read
Disposable-diaper-changing routine
You’re going to do a lot of diaper changing over the next few months, so here’s a helpful diaper-changing routine. Check it off and make every diaper change smooth like your baby’s bottom.
2 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Take a look at this children’s dental care checklist to improve and help his growth and development.
5 mins to read
How to soothe a colicky baby
Babies cry. Some babies cry more than others. If your otherwise healthy baby is under five months old and has repeated bouts of uncontrollable crying, it could be colic.
2 mins to read
Guiding Your Baby's First Steps: A Milestone to Cherish
Unlock the secrets to nurturing your baby's first steps with expert tips and insights and the red flags to ensure healthy development.
5 mins to read
Are you taking care of yourself as a new mom? (Take our test to see)
Hey mom. I know you are tired.
3 mins to read
Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have an easy birth plan in mind to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read
Bathing hacks: How to top and tail a newborn
Some babies love having a bath, while others need time to get used to it. For the first few weeks or so, you may want to top and tail baby instead.
2 mins to read
Bottle-feeding tips
Bottle-feeding might look easy but there’s a fair bit to swallow. So here’s a list of bottle-feeding tips, covering bottle-feeding positions, setting a bottle-feeding routine, and more.
1 min to read
How to read baby sign language
From the moment they’re born, your baby has a lot to say.
2 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first words
If you want to learn how to encourage your baby’s first words and how your support can help, read this article.
5 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for
Learn more about your new mom emotions, how to deal with them and so red flags you need to take into consideration.
5 mins to read
7 Ways to Enjoy Motherhood Without Forgetting Yourself
Learn more about how to take care of yourself to enjoy motherhood. Click here to read some insights about it.
5 mins to read
How to deal with morning sickness at the start of pregnancy
Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night. Especially at the start of pregnancy. Here’s a few things that could help make the first, delicate trimester a little easier to stomach.
1 min to read
Your hospital bag checklist
Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We have put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials. Forget packing light, it’s about packing right.
3 mins to read
Baby Massage: A Bonding Experience Between You and Your Baby
If you want to learn how a baby massage can improve the way your child feels while he is growing, click here.
4 mins to read
