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Postpartum Mood & Support

Depression and anxiety can appear at any point in the first year after birth. Here's when to use the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and when to talk to a provider.

Get help now if you notice any of these

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Hearing or seeing things others do not
  • Feeling unable to care for yourself or your baby
  • Rapidly worsening mood or confusion
  • Not sleeping for days, even when given the chance
  • Panic attacks that feel constant or unbearable

Call or text 988, contact your OB/midwife, or go to the nearest emergency room. The Postpartum Support International HelpLine is 1-800-944-4773.

Discuss the timing and interpretation of screening with your clinician. This educational timeline is awaiting qualified clinical review; it is not a personal screening schedule.

1

During pregnancy

Ideally once per trimester
Screening details
  • EPDS can be used in pregnancy too. It is the same 10 questions used after delivery.
  • Screening during pregnancy gives your provider a baseline and may catch depression or anxiety early.
2

Before leaving the hospital or birth center

Within 24–72 hours of birth
Screening details
  • Many units give a brief mood check before discharge. If you scored high earlier in pregnancy, ask to be screened again.
  • This is a good time to ask what follow-up mental health support is planned.
3

1–2 weeks postpartum

At your early postpartum check, or sooner if you feel off
Screening details
  • The first two weeks are when "baby blues" peak. If low mood, anxiety, or tearfulness lasts beyond two weeks, retake EPDS.
  • EPDS question 10 asks about thoughts of self-harm. If anything is nonzero, tell someone right away.
4

6 weeks postpartum

Routine postpartum visit
Screening details
  • This is the standard time for a formal EPDS screen in most countries. A score of 13 or higher is a positive screen and deserves follow-up.
  • Your provider should also ask about sleep, intrusive thoughts, panic, and whether you feel bonded with your baby.
5

3 months postpartum

At the baby's checkup or your follow-up visit
Screening details
  • Anxiety often peaks around 3 months. If you are constantly worried, tense, or unable to sleep even when the baby sleeps, re-screen.
  • EPDS items 3–5 screen specifically for anxiety symptoms.
6

6 months postpartum

Mid-first-year check
Screening details
  • Some symptoms do not appear until later. Screening at 6 months catches cases missed earlier.
  • Returning to work, weaning, or sleep training can be triggers for mood changes.
7

12 months postpartum

End of the first year
Screening details
  • Depression and anxiety can persist or begin during the first year. A 12-month check is recommended by many perinatal guidelines.
  • If symptoms persist past 12 months, ask for a referral or treatment plan.
8

Anytime symptoms show up

Do not wait for the next visit
Screening details
  • Take EPDS again if you notice sadness, guilt, irritability, panic, intrusive thoughts, or feeling detached from your baby.
  • Partners can also experience perinatal mood changes. If your partner is struggling, they deserve support too.

A member benefit

Members can take a private postpartum mood check-in at the center, saved privately to their account.

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