--- title: Is a history of PMS linked to postpartum depression? | Niyora description: Yes. Women with more severe PMS were more likely to experience baby blues (low mood after birth) and postpartum depression. The correlation between baby blues url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/baby-blues-premenstrual-syndrome-and-postpartum-affective-disorders-intersection-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Is a history of PMS linked to postpartum depression? Survey study, 2023 # Is a history of PMS linked to postpartum depression? Yes. Women with more severe PMS were more likely to experience baby blues (low mood after birth) and postpartum depression. The correlation between baby blues and PMS was 0.397. Moderate study design 369 mothers followed for 12 weeks after childbirth ## What they did Followed 369 mothers for 12 weeks after childbirth, collecting information about PMS history, mood in the first days after birth, depression, stress, and mother-baby attachment. ## What they found A significant correlation was found between baby blues severity and PMS (r=0.397, p<0.001). Baby blues were linked to family psychiatric history, previous PMS, and stress. PMS added to the risk of postpartum depression. ## What it means for you If you have PMS, you may be at higher risk for mood problems after childbirth, including postpartum depression. This suggests hormonal effects on mood continue after pregnancy. The 12-week follow-up strengthens the evidence beyond a one-time snapshot. 369 mothers followed r=0.397 correlation between baby blues and PMS severity 12 weeks follow-up duration ## About the study Original title Baby blues, premenstrual syndrome and postpartum affective disorders: intersection of risk factors and reciprocal influences Authors Chechko N, Losse E, Frodl T et al. Journal BJPsych open Year 2023 Study design Survey study Participants 369 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.612](https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.612) Original abstract Background: The aetiology and consequences of 'baby blues' (lower mood following childbirth) are yet to be sufficiently investigated with respect to an individual's clinical history. Aims: The primary aim of the study was to assess the symptoms of baby blues and the relevant risk factors, their associations with clinical history and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and their possible contribution to the early recognition of postpartum depression (PPD). Method: Beginning shortly after childbirth, 369 mothers were followed up for 12 weeks. Information related to their clinical history, PMS, depression, stress and mother-child attachment was collected. At 12 weeks, mothers were classified as non-depressed, or with either PPD or adjustment disorder. Results: A correlation was found between the severity of baby blues and PMS ( r = 0.397, P χ 2 (64) = 198.16, P P = 0.012), family psychiatric history ( P = 0.001), PMS ( P P = 0.017). Conclusions: Baby blues are linked to a number of risk factors and a history of PMS, with both conditions adding to the risk of PPD. The neuroendocrine effects on mood need be understood in the context of individual risk factors. The assessment of both baby blues and PMS symptoms within the first postpartum days may contribute to an early identification of PPD. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Cohort study, 2026 Does having PMS before pregnancy increase the risk of postpartum depression? Systematic review, 2026 Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle? Cohort study, 2026 Do premenstrual disorder and postpartum depression share the same genetic causes? Cohort study, 2025 Is there a link between premenstrual disorders and autoimmune disease? Cohort study, 2025 Do women with a history of PMS or PMDD have more depression during pregnancy and after birth? Case-control study, 2024 Do steroid hormone levels change differently across the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗