Postpartum Blues and Other Predictors of Postnatal Depression: A Rural Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Study

Background: Mood-related disorders such as postpartum blues and postnatal depression frequently affect womenfollowing childbirth, particularly in rural settings. These disorders, if left unrecognized, can adversely impactmaternal wellbeing and infant care.Objectives: (1) To assess the incidence of postpartum blues and postnatal depression. (2) To determine theassociation between postpartum blues and postnatal depression. (3) To evaluate the predictive value of obstetricand psychosocial factors in postnatal depression.Methods: This prospective observational study included 53 postpartum women attending a rural tertiary carecenter. Participants were evaluated using Stein’s Maternity Blues Scale within the first week postpartum and theEdinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at one and two months. Statistical analysis was conducted usingSPSS.Results: Postnatal depression (EPDS ≥10) was found in 26.4% of participants. Although postpartum blues wasprevalent (60.3%), its association with depression was not statistically significant. Similarly, no single obstetricor psychosocial factor emerged as a strong predictor, although previous abortion and gestational age showed weaktrends.Conclusion: A notable proportion of rural women experience depressive symptoms after childbirth. Thesefindings support the routine screening for postpartum depression, independent of risk factors.