What Causes Postpartum Depression? (Updated December 2025)
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of major depression and a mental disorder that affects women after childbirth. It can last for up to the first year.
PPD has many forms and symptoms, so it is difficult to attribute this condition to one unique cause.
Instead, medical professionals believe that postpartum depression can have multiple causes. Each woman who develops this type of depression has risk factors that make her more susceptible to it.
In some cases, it’s unclear why and how a woman developed postpartum or postnatal depression. Not knowing what caused the depression can make it even more confusing and challenging for those suffering from this depressive disorder.
Women with postpartum depression should understand that it is not the result of something they did or did not do. In other words, it is never the new mom’s fault that postpartum depression develops.
Recent 2025 Insights: A study published in March 2025 in the Archives of Public Health identified key risk factors for PPD in Iran, including maternal age ≤20 years, history of abortion, cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, twin births, drug use, history of anxiety, domestic violence, and history of depression. Additionally, the October 2025 research highlights emerging blood tests that could predict PPD risk using hormonal and genetic markers.
Experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) can be frightening and overwhelming, particularly when it arises without obvious triggers like hormonal shifts or life stressors. Understanding the multifaceted causes and risk factors—such as prenatal depression history, sleep quality issues, or lack of social support—empowers women and their families to anticipate and mitigate its impact through proactive steps. Recent 2025 research emphasizes early screening and support to reduce severity, even in high-risk groups like first-time mothers.
Top Causes of Postpartum Depression
Most potential causes of postpartum depression can be placed into one of two categories: physical causes or mental and emotional causes. Below, we break down these causes with updated insights from 2025 studies. For related conditions, see postpartum anxiety or postpartum PTSD.
Physical Causes of Postpartum Depression
Some of the potential causes of postpartum depression can be attributed to physical changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Changes in Hormone Levels
Many medical experts believe that postpartum depression stems from drastic hormonal changes that happen during and after childbirth.
Decreased thyroid hormone levels, which can lower estrogen and progesterone levels, can trigger emotional repercussions.
However, many non-depressed women experience the same hormone drop and have the same estrogen levels without the incidence of PPD.
2025 Update: A June 2025 review in Acta Biochimica Polonica explores how postpartum hormonal shifts impact the immune system, potentially exacerbating PPD symptoms. Additionally, March 2025 data from JAMA Network Open link postpartum hormonal contraceptive use to an increased risk of depression.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation may also play a significant role in causing postpartum depression. Following childbirth, women often do not get enough sleep due to the new responsibilities of caring for their babies.
A lack of sleep can significantly impact how a woman functions, feels and handles difficult situations. Without proper and consistent sleep, women may start to exhibit signs of postpartum depression.
Physical Body Changes
Women can also experience drastic changes to their bodies and physical appearance during pregnancy and labor. They may struggle with some of these changes.
Physical change may be challenging for those who feel pressure to return to their pre-pregnancy appearance or weight as quickly as possible.
Mental & Emotional Causes of Postpartum Depression
Other causes of postpartum depression can be attributed to a woman’s emotional and mental state after giving birth and in the weeks that follow.
Postpartum Stress and Worry
The postpartum period can be an incredibly stressful time, especially for new mothers who are still adjusting to their new lives and responsibilities.
If these emotions are not adequately addressed or the new mom doesn’t know how to cope, excessive stress and worry can put her at high risk for PPD.
Birth Trauma
Experiencing birth or labor trauma can also trigger PPD to develop, as these events can leave women with painful memories and associations.
Types of birth trauma that can contribute to PPD include physical injuries, like nerve damage or injury to the baby, or emotional trauma that results from experiencing or witnessing a difficult labor. See more on postpartum PTSD.
Life Stressors
Stressful life events such as losing a job or the death of a loved one may also encourage the onset of PPD.
These events are difficult to manage on their own, but adding a new baby can make them feel even more overwhelming and unmanageable.
PPD Without Obvious Triggers: Hidden Factors
Not all cases of PPD stem from clear physical or emotional causes. For instance, PPD without hormone changes might arise from subtle genetic predispositions or environmental stressors.
PPD vs. Baby Blues: Baby blues are short-term mood swings without severe symptoms, while PPD persists longer and requires intervention. Learn about postpartum baby blues.
PPD Without Family Support: Isolation can amplify risks, even without other stressors. Explore support options.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression
Identifying a singular cause of postpartum depression is difficult, so it’s better to isolate specific factors that put women at a greater risk of developing PPD.
Risk factors contributing to postpartum depression include genetic, environmental, emotional, psychological, and physical influences. Here’s a comparison table of key categories:
| Category | Key Risk Factors | 2025 Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic/Medical | Family history of mental illness, personal history of depression | February 2025 research suggests blood tests for genetic markers could predict risk. |
| Environmental | Rural living with low social support, a lack of green spaces | An August 2025 study shows that rural women face higher risks due to geographic isolation and poverty; exposure to green space reduces the odds. |
| Mental/Emotional | Recent stress, abusive relationships | May 2025 report highlights socioeconomic impacts in rural vs. urban settings. |
| Other | Unplanned pregnancy, substance abuse | December 2024 study notes a higher prevalence among older and primiparous mothers. |
Genetic and Medical History Risk Factors
Genetic and other medical factors can play a significant role in whether a woman develops PPD and are unfortunately out of her control.
These genetic and medical history postpartum risk factors include:
- Personal history of postpartum depression
- Family history of postpartum depression or other mental illness
- A personal history of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
- Having experienced PPD in a previous pregnancy
- Having experienced depressive symptoms during pregnancy
Environmental Risk Factors
An August 2025 fact sheet from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health revealed that women in rural areas have higher rates of PPD compared to urban ones, often due to lower social support and geographic isolation. The original Canadian study surveyed 6,126 new mothers, but recent data confirms rural risks persist.
Access to green spaces can lower the risk of PPD, according to the 2025 updates.
Mental & Emotional Risk Factors
These mental and emotional postpartum risk factors include:
- Recent stressful life events, such as the loss of a job or the death of a loved one
- Lack of time for self-care
- Lack of time to socialize, leading to feelings of loneliness
- Lack of emotional support from friends, family members, or domestic partners
- Being in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship
Other Risk Factors
These other postpartum risk factors include:
- Having an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Having a baby with health problems or special needs
- Being under the age of 20 when pregnant
- Current substance abuse, such as drugs or alcohol
- Not getting enough sleep
- Not maintaining proper nutrition
- Abruptly stopping taking medications during or after pregnancy
- Being single or without a partner to co-parent
- Having a low socioeconomic status
- Having a history of abortions
Talk to your primary care physician or a mental health professional if you are concerned about postpartum depression risk factors that may affect you. Consider taking our PPD quiz.
What Are the Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression?
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is the standard treatment recommendation for postpartum depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are additional types of therapy available for treating PPD.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe you antidepressants (many of which are safe to take while breastfeeding) to help you manage depression and anxiety symptoms. One medication option is Brexanolone, which is approved specifically for treating PPD. Learn about Zuranolone.
2025 Update: Emerging blood tests from January 2025 research may allow for earlier intervention.
Beyond therapy and medication, many women suffering from postpartum depression also find relief by joining support groups. Larger organizations, such as Postpartum Support International, offer online support groups for women who need remote access.
In some cases of more severe PPD or for postpartum psychosis, inpatient treatment may be recommended to keep the new mother and her baby safe. Check out our recovery tips.
When to Seek Help for Postpartum Depression
Women with PPD often experience more than just a depressed mood. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping, low self-esteem, and feelings of sadness, anger, or even worthlessness. Check our symptoms page for details.
The Office on Women’s Health (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) recommends speaking with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist more than two weeks after childbirth.
Your doctor will perform a postpartum depression screening to gather details about your symptoms and other background health information, such as medical history.
Then, your healthcare provider will discuss options with you for treating postpartum depression after assessing the level of PPD that you might have.
Find Professional Support for Postpartum Depression
No matter what caused your postpartum depression, you deserve high-quality care and professional support to help you manage it.
We can also help you find the care you need. Contact us today to discuss treatment options, or browse our directory of highly qualified therapists to find treatment near you.
For family support, see guides for partners, parents, or children.
Postpartum Depression Causes & Risk Factors FAQs
What increases the risk of postpartum depression?
Several factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression:
- Being a single mom
- Having limited social or familial support
- Conflict with spouse or partner (see PPD and marriage)
- Personal history of depression or a mood disorder
- Family members with a history of depression
- An unwanted pregnancy
- Pregnancy complications
- Having a baby with special needs
Who is at increased risk of postpartum depression?
While both men and women are at risk for postpartum depression (see PPD in men), those at a higher risk are first-time moms, women under the age of 25, and mothers of multiples.
Despite these risk factors, postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders can happen to anyone and can affect both women and men.
Is postpartum depression a normal part of pregnancy and birth?
While postpartum baby blues are considered normal after pregnancy and birth, postpartum depression is not regarded as normal.
Postpartum depression is common, though, affecting roughly 15% of new moms. However, it can be dangerous for both mother and baby’s well-being and can be difficult to overcome without treatment.