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abbreviation

PPD

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PPD (abbreviation) means Postpartum depression: a serious and lasting depression that develops after childbirth, involving persistent low mood, anxiety and difficulty bonding with the baby. Example: “She was diagnosed with PPD three months after giving birth.”

abbreviation
1
medical Postpartum depression: a serious and lasting depression that develops after childbirth, involving persistent low mood, anxiety and difficulty bonding with the baby.
"She was diagnosed with PPD three months after giving birth."
"PPD is a medical illness, not a failure of parenting."
2
medical Purified protein derivative: the substance injected under the skin in the standard tuberculosis test, and the test itself.
"All new staff must have a PPD placed and read within 72 hours."
3
business Per person per day: a unit used in pricing travel, catering and care packages.
"The resort quoted 180 dollars PPD including meals."

How to use PPD

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually postpartum depression — long-lasting depression after having a baby.

When to use it

Sense 1 dominates general use and parenting discussion; senses 2 and 3 are confined to clinical and commercial settings.

Memory tip

PPA is postpartum anxiety and PPP is postpartum psychosis; they are distinct conditions that can occur alongside PPD.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
PPA baby blues PPI →
Common pairings
diagnosed with PPD screened for PPD PPD test PPD skin test
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was diagnosed with _____ three months after giving birth.

Etymology

An initialism; each sense abbreviates a different phrase.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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postnatal depression tuberculin skin test Mantoux test

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PPD and the baby blues?
The baby blues are common, mild and short-lived — tearfulness and mood swings in the first week or two that resolve on their own. Postpartum depression is more severe, lasts weeks or months, interferes with daily functioning, and needs treatment. If symptoms persist beyond about two weeks, it is worth speaking to a doctor.
How long after birth can PPD start?
It most often appears within the first few weeks, but it can begin any time in the first year after birth, and sometimes during pregnancy. Onset is not limited to the immediate aftermath of delivery.
What does a PPD test check for?
It checks whether your immune system has previously encountered tuberculosis bacteria. A small amount of purified protein derivative is injected under the skin and the reaction is measured after 48 to 72 hours. A positive result means exposure, not necessarily active disease.
What is the meaning of PPD?
"PPD" (abbreviation) means postpartum depression: a serious and lasting depression that develops after childbirth, involving persistent low mood, anxiety and difficulty bonding with the baby.