Pregnancy and postpartum: when distress exceeds the ‘baby blues’
A warning published in Kenya highlights the signs of perinatal depression. Persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, or sleep disturbances should not be trivialized when they last or intensify.
In Kenya, The Star published a warning on Sunday, September 13, regarding the psychological signs that may arise during pregnancy or after childbirth. Persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety, decreased energy, and sleep or appetite disturbances are among the changes that warrant special attention when they become established.
After giving birth, a few days of fatigue, irritability, or tears may be indicative of the “baby blues.” The National Institute of Mental Health notes that these mood fluctuations are generally mild and brief. However, when sadness or anxiety becomes intense, disrupts daily life, or lasts longer than two weeks, a healthcare professional should evaluate the situation.
Perinatal depression can also begin during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening for depression and anxiety at the start of prenatal care, later during pregnancy, and during postpartum visits. This screening relies on validated tools and should not be confused with self-diagnosis.
Possible signs are not limited to sadness. A loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, unusual fatigue, difficulty concentrating, marked changes in sleep or eating patterns, and, after birth, significant difficulty bonding with the baby can also prompt a request for medical advice.
The World Health Organization indicates that up to one in five women may experience depression or anxiety after childbirth. In a period when sleep is already fragmented and fatigue is common, the intensity of symptoms, their duration, and their impact on daily activities are important factors to report during a consultation.
Certain symptoms require urgent attention. Thoughts of death or suicide, fears of harming the baby, hallucinations, delusional beliefs, significant confusion, or unusual states of agitation should not wait for a routine appointment. The NIMH specifically describes postpartum psychosis as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate assistance.
Support from family and friends can be valuable but should not replace medical evaluation. A loved one can help schedule appointments, accompany the individual to a maternity ward or health center, and lighten daily tasks while the situation is assessed.
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