Depressive symptoms and changes in physiological and social factors 1 week to 4 months postpartum in Japan.

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common condition and may be exacerbated unless treated. There is, however, a lack of longitudinal studies about the relationship between PPD and changes in physiological status and social role postpartum.

Methods: We enrolled longitudinally 65 Japanese mothers (36 primiparas) and measured their psychological responses at 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months postpartum.