Postpartum Depression Screening Test
A postpartum depression screening is a set of questions to help your provider find out if you have depression after having a baby.
What this test measures
It measures your mood, sleep habits, stress, and personal or family history of depression to detect signs of postpartum depression.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A high result suggests you may have postpartum depression and should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is postpartum depression screening?
It is a standard set of questions to help your provider find out if you have depression related to having a baby.
When does postpartum depression usually start?
Symptoms usually start between one to three weeks after birth, but they may begin at any time during the first year.
How is postpartum depression different from the baby blues?
The baby blues cause mild sadness that goes away within two weeks, while postpartum depression lasts months and needs treatment.
What treatments are available for postpartum depression?
Treatments include counseling (talk therapy), medicine like antidepressants, and in severe cases, brain stimulation therapies.
What can I do at home to help with postpartum depression?
Ask for help with baby care, spend time with adults, take time for yourself, get physical activity, rest when the baby rests, and join a support group.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Postpartum Depression Screening — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.