Baby blues and postpartum depression: you’re not alone.

The "baby blues" aren't a myth—they're real, and a lot of moms experience them. In fact, In the first few weeks after giving birth it's pretty normal to experience:

• Mood swings, like going from extreme happiness to sadness
• Decreased concentration
• Difficulty sleeping
• Crying spells and tearfulness
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Anxiety

These symptoms are what's known as the baby blues and they usually go away within a week or two. Learn more about baby blues.

Sometimes people confuse postpartum depression with baby blues, but they're two very different things.

If your symptoms last for more than two weeks after birth, get more extreme, or if you started experiencing them before you gave birth, you may have perinatal depression. You've probably heard of postpartum depression, which occurs post-birth. Perinatal depression is an umbrella term for depression that occurs during or after pregnancy—including postpartum depression.

Perinatal depression can include all of the above symptoms, plus:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Feelings of guilt
• Feeling irritable or overwhelmed
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships
• Headaches or stomach problems that do not go away

We don't really know the exact cause of perinatal depression, but hormone fluctuations may play a part. You may be at a higher risk for developing perinatal depression if:

• You have a personal or family history of depression, anxiety or mood disorders
• You experience a stressful life event during pregnancy
• You have a lot of regular life stress
• You don't have support from family members or loved ones

Whether it's during pregnancy or after baby is born, signs of depression or anxiety can develop. We want you to know that perinatal depression, including postpartum depression is perfectly normal, highly treatable and extremely important to the health of both you and your child. If you suspect you have symptoms, contact your provider. You don't have to suffer in silence—there are tons of treatment options and support groups that can help. Learn more about perinatal depression.