08/25/2026
The EPDS is only 10 questions, but those 10 questions can tell us a lot.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a screening tool used during pregnancy and postpartum to help identify when a mom may be struggling with her mental health.
And no, a score doesn’t give someone a diagnosis. But it does give us a place to start a conversation.
Because sometimes “How are you doing?” gets an automatic “I’m fine.”
But when we ask specific questions about anxiety, being overwhelmed, sadness, feeling like things are getting on top of you, or thoughts of harming yourself… we may get a very different answer.
That’s why I take these screenings seriously.
We can’t support moms through things we aren’t talking about. And sometimes, simply asking the right questions is the first step toward getting someone the help they need.
Screening matters. Early intervention matters. And yes, it can save lives. 💗