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Postpartum Depression Test — EPDS Edinburgh Scale

Take the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) — 10 questions about the past 7 days. Instant score with interpretation: 0–9 low risk, 10–12 possible mild, 13+ probable PPD. Used worldwide by OBs and pediatricians.

🗓️ Updated June 2026 Reviewed by
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The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the world's most widely used and validated screening tool for postpartum depression. Developed in 1987, it contains 10 questions about how you've felt in the past 7 days. Answer honestly — there are no right or wrong answers. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis: scores of 10+ or any score above 0 on question 10 should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

When to use this calculator

  • You want to know if what you're experiencing is baby blues or something more serious.
  • Your OB/GYN or pediatrician asked you to complete the EPDS screening.
  • You've felt persistently sad or anxious for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.
  • You want a validated screening tool to discuss with your healthcare provider.
  • You're a healthcare professional wanting to use the EPDS with your patients.
  • You're a partner wanting to understand if your symptoms may indicate postpartum depression.

EPDS Score Interpretation — Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

EPDS ScoreRisk LevelApproximate % of Women ScreenedRecommended Action
0–6Very low~60%Routine monitoring
7–9Low~20%Repeat screening in 2–4 weeks if concerned
10–12Possible mild depression~10%Discuss with OB, midwife, or pediatrician
13–30Probable postpartum depression~10%Seek professional evaluation promptly
Question 10 > 0Self-harm risk (any total score)—Seek help immediately (call/text 988)

Fuente: Cox, Holden & Sagovsky, British Journal of Psychiatry (1987); Eberhard-Gran et al., Acta Psychiatr Scand (2001). EPDS: 10 questions, each scored 0–3; maximum total = 30.

How it works

What is the EPDS Postpartum Depression Test?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was created by Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky in 1987 and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. It is the most widely validated screening instrument for postpartum depression in the world, used in routine care by OB/GYNs, midwives, and pediatricians in over 60 countries. It has been translated and validated in more than 30 languages.

> Important: The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score indicates risk and the need for clinical evaluation — it does not confirm a diagnosis of postpartum depression.

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How the EPDS is Scored

The test has 10 questions, each scored 0–3. Maximum total score is 30.

  • Questions 1, 2, and 4 are scored in ascending order (0 = no difficulty → 3 = significant difficulty)

  • Questions 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are reverse-scored: the most distressing response scores 3, the least scores 0

    • The total is a simple sum of all 10 item scores. No item is weighted more than another — with the critical exception of Question 10 (self-harm thoughts), which triggers an urgent response regardless of the total score.

    EPDS ScoreInterpretationRecommended Action
    0–9Low risk of postpartum depressionMonitor; repeat in 2–4 weeks if concerned
    10–12Possible mild depressionDiscuss with your OB, midwife, or pediatrician
    13–30Probable postpartum depressionSeek professional evaluation promptly
    Question 10 > 0Self-harm risk — regardless of total scoreSeek help immediately — call or text 988

    Some clinical guidelines (including those from ACOG) use a cutoff of ≥10 to initiate further assessment, while others apply ≥13 specifically for probable major depression. The threshold may also vary slightly for screening during pregnancy versus postpartum.

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    Postpartum Depression: Key Facts

  • Affects 10–15% of new mothers globally; some population studies report rates up to 20%

  • Symptoms can begin during pregnancy (perinatal depression) or at any point up to 12 months after delivery — not only in the first weeks

  • It is not a character flaw — it has established biological, hormonal, and psychosocial causes, including rapid postpartum drops in estrogen and progesterone, thyroid changes, sleep deprivation, and prior history of depression or anxiety

  • Baby blues (50–80% of mothers): tearfulness, mood swings, mild anxiety in the first 1–2 weeks — resolve spontaneously and do not require treatment

  • Postpartum depression: symptoms lasting longer than 2 weeks, more intense, and interfering with daily functioning — requires clinical assessment

  • Postpartum psychosis (distinct and rare: ~1–2 per 1,000 births): hallucinations, delusions, rapid mood shifts — a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate care

  • Partners and co-parents can also experience postpartum depression; estimated prevalence in fathers is 8–10%

    • ---

    What the EPDS Does NOT Measure

    Understanding the limits of the scale is as important as interpreting the score:

  • Does not diagnose postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, or psychosis

  • Does not measure the severity of depression beyond screening categories

  • Does not replace a clinical interview or structured psychiatric evaluation

  • Does not capture all maternal mental health concerns — for example, PTSD following a traumatic birth, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms, may not be fully reflected in the score

  • A score in the low-risk range does not rule out depression if clinical concern exists

    • ---

    Common Scoring Errors

    1. Forgetting to reverse-score items 3, 5–10. The most frequent mistake when calculating manually. Always check that higher distress responses on those items yield a higher number.
    2. Using total score alone to dismiss Question 10. Any score above 0 on the self-harm question requires immediate follow-up, even if the total score is 8.
    3. Applying a single universal cutoff. The clinically appropriate threshold can vary by population, trimester (prenatal vs. postnatal), and clinical context. Always follow the guidelines of your healthcare provider or health system.
    4. Treating a single screening as definitive. ACOG and the AAP recommend repeat screening — typically at postpartum visits (1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months in some protocols) — because symptoms can emerge or worsen over time.

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    When to Seek Help

    If your score is 13 or above, or if you answered anything other than 0 on Question 10, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Effective, evidence-based treatments exist — including psychotherapy (particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy) and medication — and most people improve significantly with appropriate support.

    Crisis resources (United States):

  • Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7)

  • Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

    • ---

    This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your results.

    Example: New mom scores 14 on the EPDS

    She answers all 10 questions about the past 7 days.
    Questions 7–9 each score 2 (yes, sometimes / quite often).
    Questions 3, 5, 6 score 1–2 (self-blame and anxiety present).
    Total score: 14/30 — above the 13-point cutoff.
    Interpretation: probable postpartum depression.
    Next step: she contacts her OB/GYN that day for a full evaluation.
    EPDS Score: 14/30. This score is above the clinical cutoff of 13 and indicates probable postpartum depression. Professional evaluation is strongly recommended. With proper care, the vast majority of women fully recover.
    Disclaimer: Los resultados son orientativos y no reemplazan la consulta médica profesional. Antes de tomar decisiones con impacto, consultá con un médico, nutricionista o profesional de la salud matriculado.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does a postpartum depression test score of 10 mean?
    A score of 10 on the EPDS is the clinical threshold for possible mild depression. It means you are experiencing emotional distress that deserves attention. A score of 10 or 11 doesn't confirm a diagnosis — but it's a clear signal to speak with your OB/GYN, midwife, or pediatrician for a full assessment.
    What's the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
    Baby blues affect 50–80% of new mothers: mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability in the first 1–2 weeks after birth — they resolve on their own. Postpartum depression (affecting 10–15%) lasts longer than 2 weeks, is more severe, and interferes with daily functioning or bonding with the baby. If you're still struggling at 2 weeks postpartum, take this screening test and talk to your provider.
    How accurate is the EPDS postpartum depression test?
    The EPDS has a sensitivity of approximately 86% and specificity of 78% for postpartum depression when using a cutoff of 13, based on validation studies. At a cutoff of 10 (used for broader detection), sensitivity increases but specificity decreases slightly. It is the most validated perinatal mental health screening tool in existence, but it is a screen, not a diagnosis — a clinical interview is needed to confirm.
    When should I take the EPDS screening test?
    The EPDS can be taken any time postpartum, but is most commonly used at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3–6 months after delivery. ACOG recommends at least one postpartum depression screen in the first year after birth. You can also use it during pregnancy (prenatal depression is common and is also detected by the EPDS).
    Does this test replace a diagnosis from my doctor?
    No. The EPDS is a validated screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A positive screen (score ≥10) means you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, not that you definitively have postpartum depression. Diagnosis requires a clinical interview. Always discuss your score with your provider.
    Can I take antidepressants while breastfeeding?
    Yes. Sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are the most studied antidepressants during breastfeeding and are generally considered safe — very little passes into breast milk. Your prescribing doctor will choose the safest option for you. Do not delay treatment out of fear of medication: untreated postpartum depression can harm both mother and infant development.
    What if my score indicates risk of self-harm (question 10 > 0)?
    If you scored above 0 on question 10 (thoughts of harming yourself), seek help immediately, regardless of your total score. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US, 24/7, free). You can also text 'HELLO' to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or go to your nearest emergency room. Please tell someone you trust right now.
    Can fathers or partners get postpartum depression?
    Yes. About 10% of fathers and partners experience postpartum depression — it's often called paternal postpartum depression (PPPD). Symptoms may present differently: irritability, withdrawal, overworking, or increased substance use. The EPDS can also be administered to partners. Both parents' mental health matters for the baby's development.
    How long does postpartum depression last if untreated?
    Without treatment, postpartum depression can last months to years and may evolve into a recurrent depressive disorder. With appropriate treatment (therapy and/or medication), most women see significant improvement within weeks to a few months. Early intervention consistently leads to better outcomes for both mother and child.
    Where can I find postpartum depression support and resources?
    Postpartum Support International (PSI): helpline 1-800-944-4773 (English and Spanish), or visit postpartum.net. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 (if you have thoughts of self-harm). Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741741. Your OB/GYN, midwife, or pediatrician can also provide referrals to local mental health providers and support groups. Many insurance plans cover perinatal mental health therapy.

    Methodology & trust

    Editorial

    Calculadora de salud revisada por el equipo editorial de Hacé Cuentas, contrastada con Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R — Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item EPDS (Br J Psychiatry, 1987), según nuestra política editorial y metodología.

    Updates

    Última revisión: June 22, 2026. Los parámetros se verifican periódicamente con las fuentes citadas.

    Privacy

    Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.

    Limitations

    Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.

    📌 How to cite this calculator

    Rodríguez, M. (2026). Postpartum Depression Test — EPDS Edinburgh Scale. Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/postpartum-depression-screening

    Contenido bajo licencia CC-BY 4.0 — reutilizable citando la fuente con enlace a Hacé Cuentas.

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