Can I Have Postpartum Depression After Miscarriage or Pregnancy Loss?

When we hear the word postpartum, most people think of sleepless nights, newborn cries, and endless diaper changes. But what if your story took a different turn—one where there is no baby to bring home? If you’ve experienced a miscarriage or pregnancy loss, you might be wondering why you feel so heavy and not yourself. Can you still experience depression even if your pregnancy ended in a way that was the least expected?

The answer is yes. And you’re not alone.

What Is Postpartum Depression, Really?

Postpartum depression, also known as a perinatal mood disorder, is often talked about in the context of having a baby— that it’s more than just baby blues. It’s a mental health condition that can involve deep sadness, numbness, irritability, guilt, trouble sleeping, and disconnection. And here’s something important: postpartum depression can occur after loss as well.

After any pregnancy, your body goes through major hormonal changes. Similar postpartum shifts happen whether the pregnancy ends at 8 weeks or 38 weeks. While hormones may not be the singular cause for depression after loss, 1 in 10 women who have lost a pregnancy may also experience major depressive disorder. Add grief, trauma, and sometimes shame or isolation to that—and it makes complete sense why your emotional world might feel like it’s spinning.

You're Not Making It Up

Many don’t realize that the emotional and physical symptoms can follow a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. You might cry for no reason, feel angry at others who are pregnant, struggle to get out of bed, or find yourself avoiding people and places. Some feel empty; others feel panicked or restless. And sadly, many feel like they shouldn’t be feeling this way because they “weren’t that far along” or because “it happens to so many people.”

But pain doesn’t follow a timeline. And grief comes with loss at any gestational week.

What You're Feeling Is Valid

Your perspective of the world has shifted. Many times, at the first sights of a positive pregnancy test, we are already planning out an entire life time. If you’re wondering whether you’re supposed to just “bounce back” and get on with life, know this: what you went through matters. Your loss matters. And your mental health matters. Even if no one else can see your pain, it is still real.

What To Look Out For

Depression can show up in ways that are easy to miss at first—feeling “off,” losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or just feeling tired all the time. But when these feelings stick around for more than two weeks and start affecting how you function day to day, it may be more than just a rough patch.

Warning signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, noticeable loss of interest or pleasure, big changes in appetite or weight, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, feeling worthless or guilty, low energy, trouble concentrating, moving more slowly (or feeling restless), and thoughts of death or suicide. You don’t have to have all of these to be struggling—just a few can mean it’s time to reach out for support.

What You Can Do

If you have noticed feeling sad, hopeless, anxious, or like you’re not yourself and have decided to seek help, therapy can be a healing space to process loss, grief, and worries. Support groups (in person or online) can help you feel less alone. And never underestimate the power of true connection with a trusted friend or partner when telling them, “I’m not okay.”

Here are some gentle things to consider:

• Tell your doctor about what you’re feeling.

• Join a support group for pregnancy or infant loss.

• Talk to a therapist or counselor who understands perinatal mental health or pregnancy loss.

• Rest. You’ve been through something real and hard.

• Be kind to yourself, even if it might be hard for you to understand what you’re feeling.
  

Final Thoughts

Postpartum depression doesn’t only show up after a healthy birth. It can also follow heartbreak. You are allowed to feel devastated. You are allowed to grieve. And you are allowed to seek support and care for your mental health after a miscarriage or loss.

You deserve healing—not because you “should” be strong, but because you are human.

Resources

Remember that if you or someone you love is currently a mental health crisis, there is immediate help available. You can call or text the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.

Find a Support Group through Postpartum Support International.

Find a therapist from the Postpartum Support International’s directory.

Citations:
Neugebauer R. Kline J. Shrout P. et al. Major depressive disorder in the 6 months after miscarriage. JAMA 1997; 277:383-8.