When am I in the clear?

Question

When do I get past the risk period for getting post natal depression and all that stuff, isn't it caused by hormones?

Answer 1

The brochures I was given in hospital/by my LMC said it could happen any time up to a year or even longer.  The loss of pregnancy hormones cause "baby blues", which should pass after a couple of weeks (if that).  PND is more serious and is not necessarily related to pregnancy hormones.

I'd say if you're worried talk to your GP.  Signs of depression can be difficult to distinguish from normal postnatal behaviour (tiredness, irritability) but a classic sign is the inability to sleep - so if you can't get back to sleep when your baby wakes during the night and you're still weepy a lot after the first couple of weeks, go to your GP.