This study examined the effect of postnatal depression, age, and parity on eight indicators of functional status, as assessed by the SF-36 self-report questionnaire, at 24 weeks postpartum, with a prospective cohort design. 424 postpartum women completed the SF-36, a self-report questionnaire designed to assess functioning and well-being. 54 women (12.7%) were classified as depressed (i.e. scored >12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) at eight weeks postpartum. At twenty four weeks postpartum, women with depression were impaired on five of eight SF-36 dimensions (Role Limitations due to Physical and Emotional Problems, Social Functioning, Mental health, and Vitality) while women not suffering from depression were impaired in two dimensions only (Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems and Vitality) in comparison to age-appropriate Australian normative data. Depressed and non-depressed postpartum women differed from each other on six SF-36 dimensions (Role Limitations due to Physical and Emotional Problems, Social Functioning, Bodily Pain, Mental Health, and Vitality). Role Limitations due to Physical Problems were more impaired in first-time than multiparous mothers who were depressed, with parity difference for non-depressed women. It is concluded that some declines in functional status are associated with the postpartum period generally, but postnatal depression detrimentally effects many other aspects of the postpartum women's health.