If you have the "baby blues" after childbirth, you're not alone—about half of women have temporary mild depression after having a baby.

In the final 2 months of pregnancy, a fetus becomes too big to move around easily inside the uterus and may seem to move less. At the end of the third trimester, a fetus usually settles into a head-down position in the uterus. You will likely feel some discomfort as you get close to delivery.

If your depressed feelings have lasted more than 2 weeks, your body isn't recovering from childbirth as expected.

Postpartum depression:

Is very common, affecting 1 in every 8 women during the first months of their babies' lives.

Is a serious medical condition that can be prolonged and disabling without treatment and can affect infant development.

Is best treated with counseling and an antidepressant medication.

Can further improve when you take some home treatment measures.

To prevent serious problems for you and your baby, now is the time to work with your health professional to treat your symptoms.

If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, your baby, or anyone else, see your health professional immediately or call for emergency medical care.