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A CUP OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Have a Happy Birthday
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms — 17 States, 2004
April 17, 2008

[Announcer] This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC — safer, healthier
people.

[Dr. Gaynes] Welcome to A Cup of Health with CDC, a weekly feature of the MMWR, the
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. I’m your host, Dr. Robert Gaynes.

For many women, the excitement of impending motherhood often gives way to postpartum
depression or PPD. Sometimes referred to as the “baby blues,” PPD is a period of gloom and
despair that can last for many weeks after giving birth. A recent CDC study indicated that PPD
occurs in up to one-fifth of women in the United States.

Dr. Corrine Williams is an EIS Officer with CDC, and she’s joining us today to discuss the
prevalence of PPD. Welcome to the show, Corrine.

[Dr. Williams] Thank you very much for having me.

[Dr. Gaynes] Corrine, what are some signs that a new mother might be suffering from
postpartum depression or PPD?

[Dr. Williams] New mothers may notice that they feel sad or blue and that they have little
interest in doing things that they used to enjoy doing.

[Dr. Gaynes] Do we know what causes PPD?

[Dr. Williams] Some PPD is due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, but other stressors after
birth, including emotional or financial stress, may also contribute to PPD.

[Dr. Gaynes] And do we know how long PPD usually lasts?

[Dr. Williams] Well, the baby blues can last between two and three days and normally resolve on
their own. PPD lasts longer, normally two or more weeks, and requires treatment.

[Dr. Gaynes] How might a woman know that she needs counseling or treatment for PPD?

[Dr. Williams] If her symptoms last for two or more weeks, a woman should see her obstetrician
for a referral for treatment.

[Dr. Gaynes] What’s the most common type of treatment for PPD?

[Dr. Williams] The most common type of treatment is talk therapy with a therapist or other
mental health care provider. Other women may require antidepressants to treat their PPD.

[Dr. Gaynes] Where can listeners get more information about postpartum depression?

[Dr. Williams] For more information, people can go to Postpartum Support International at
www.postpartum.net.

[Dr. Gaynes] Corrine, thanks for sharing this information with our listeners today.

[Dr. Williams] Thank you very much for having me.

[Dr. Gaynes] That’s it for this week’s show. Be sure and join us again next week. Until then, be
well. This is Dr. Robert Gaynes for A Cup of Health with CDC.

[Announcer] For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.