The perinatal period offers a window of opportunity for the early identification of depressive symptoms, and the implementation of health promotion and prevention actions. From this perspective, knowing the clinical and sociodemographic profile of women who are at risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD) is essential to reduce its consequences and identify early those who need more detailed evaluation and treatment. 
The aim of this study was to analyze the level of depressive symptoms in postpartum women according to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and to describe their clinical and sociodemographic profiles.

This was a preliminary, descriptive, exploratory, and cross-sectional study that was part of broader development research. Data were collect between June and September 2021 through an online form containing a sociodemographic, clinical questionnaire, and the EPDS. 
The inclusion criteria were adult individuals in the postpartum period (until 12 months postpartum); 18 years old or older; to write, comprehend, and speak Portuguese (Brazil). Exclusion criteria were refusal to participated, and the inability to provide consent. 
The variables analyzed were: EPDS score (mild < 8; moderate = 9-12; severe > 13), maternal age, parity, days after delivery, education level, marital status, household income, and perinatal depression symptoms. 
Data analysis was perform based on descriptive statistics.

All participants who answered the form were included and had an average EPDC score of 10.06 ± 6.50. Classifying the sample according to the EPDC, 25 participants (31%) were at high risk for PPD, while 22 (27%) were at moderate risk and 34 (42%) were at low risk, as shown in Table 1. The average score of participants of high, moderate and low risk in EPDC was 18.08 ± 4.03, 10.00 ± 0.98 and 4.21 ± 2.47, respectively. 
Of those who exhibited a high risk of PPD (N=25), 44% were between 25 and 34 years old (N=11), 28% did not complete higher education (N=7), 84% were married (N=21), 44% had an income between $200-600 USD (N=11), 88% were more than 45 days postpartum (n=22), 52% were multiparous (N=13) and 72% had reported symptoms of depression during the prenatal period (N=18). 
Of those whose indicated moderate risk of PPD, 50% were between 25 and 34 years old (N=11), 32% completed higher education (N=7), 77% were married (N=17), 27% had an income between $200-600 USD (N=6), 68% were primiparous (N = 15), 95% were more than 45 days postpartum (N=21), and 91% had not presented symptoms of depression during pregnancy (N=20). 
Of those with low risk of PPD, 47% were between 25 to 34 years old (N=16), 32% had completed a graduation degree – "specialization" (N=11), 88% were married (N=30), 32% had a household income between $1,000-1,400 US dollars (N=11), and 79% were primiparous (N=27), 79% were 45 days postpartum (N=34) and 91% had not presented symptoms of depression during the prenatal period (N=31).

The profile of postpartum individuals was comparable to that presented in the literature, with regards to postpartum depression and low educational levels and lower household incomes. 
The literature also suggests that multiparous individuals will be more likely to report symptoms of depression, which were similar to the data collected in our study. Most participants in the low- to moderate- postpartum depression groups were primiparous and, similarly, both groups reported mild symptoms of depression during the prenatal period.

Severe postpartum depression can be prevented with early screening, which will allow for more appropriate management of symptoms. Factors that influence early detection in those at a higher risk of postpartum depression are, previous depressive symptoms before or during the pregnancy, family history, stress factors through life, and inadequate family support. 
With proper screening tools, health professionals could identify those at a higher risk for postpartum depression before, during, and after childbirth, resulting in a lower prevalence of postpartum depression and, thus, enhancing the health of the mother and the newborn.

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