Moderately severe depressive illness can occur during the puerperium. The peak incidence appears to be at 3 months but with significant numbers of cases still appearing by 6 months and after.

It occurs after 10-15% of pregnancies.

The usual features are similar to non-psychotic depression appearing in women at any other time of life.

Possible causal factors include:

• previous psychiatric history
• poor marital relationship
• lack of social support
• stressful life events
• severe postnatal blues