| Postpartum blues | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Baby blues, maternity blues |
| Specialty | Psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology |
| Symptoms | Tearfulness, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, difficulty sleeping or eating |
| Usual onset | Within a few days of childbirth |
| Duration | Up to 2 weeks |
| Differential diagnosis | Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis |
| Treatment | Supportive |
| Medication | No medication indicated |
| Prognosis | Self-limited |
| Frequency | Up to 85% |
Postpartum blues, also known as baby blues and maternity blues, is a very common but self-limited condition that begins shortly after childbirth and can present with a variety of symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and tearfulness.[1][2] Mothers may experience negative mood symptoms mixed with intense periods of joy. Up to 85% of new mothers are affected by postpartum blues, with symptoms starting within a few days after childbirth and lasting up to two weeks in duration. Treatment is supportive, including ensuring adequate sleep and emotional support. If symptoms are severe enough to affect daily functioning or last longer than two weeks, the individual should be evaluated for related postpartum psychiatric conditions, such as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. It is unclear whether the condition can be prevented, however education and reassurance are important to help alleviate patient distress.