Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale: what to know

Questions focus on recent emotional experiences, including pleasure, sadness, worry, sleep, guilt and safety. The score helps a health professional decide whether to ask more and offer support; it does not by itself confirm or exclude Depression. The same score can mean different things depending on your circumstances, physical health, birth experience, feeding and sleep opportunities. Mention Feeling Anxious, Fatigue, Irritability or Difficulty Concentrating even when they are not the main reason for your visit.

Complete it thoughtfully and share the result with your maternity team, family doctor or health visitor. Describe when symptoms began, how they affect caring for yourself or your baby, and whether you have practical or emotional support. Treatment may involve talking support, family help, sleep planning or medicine selected with pregnancy or breastfeeding in mind. Difficulty Sleeping and Insomnia can be discussed alongside mood.

Arrange prompt care if sadness, anxiety, detachment or loss of interest is persistent or makes daily care difficult. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, feeling unsafe, severe confusion, or hearing or seeing things others do not. Tell a trusted adult and contact local emergency services; do not wait for a screening appointment.

Ask what your answers suggest, which perinatal services are available, whether a physical issue could be adding to your symptoms, and how treatment choices fit pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask when your next review should be.