Depression during pregnancy is the best predictor for PND. Other causes and risk factors include a combination of these physical and emotional factors:

​

• Hormonal changes

• Sleep deprivation

• Family history of mood related disorders such as depression, PND and bipolar disorder

• Having stopped antidepressants prior to pregnancy

• Lack of a support structure after childbirth

• PND after previous childbirths

• Stress around childcare

• Complications during childbirth