Last reviewed:
Jan 16th 2023
PharmD, BCPS
There is so much excitement for the arrival of a new baby, both for expectant mothers and loved ones. Still, after having the baby, some people can experience sadness, fatigue, and a general sense of letdown [6] instead of the happiness they were expecting, leaving them feeling confused and disappointed about themselves.
There isn't a particular cause. Physical and emotional factors such as decreasing hormonal levels contribute to baby blues. [6] Baby blues usually occurs between two to four days after birth and usually resolves within two weeks. [6]
Baby blues, or "postpartum blues," occurs in roughly 50% to 85% of all mothers. [6] Symptoms of baby blues can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include the following:
First-time mothers are more likely to experience severe baby blues symptoms because they may have unrealistic expectations of themselves as mothers. [6]
The causes of baby blues are mainly unknown, but women undergo many hormonal, physical, emotional, and mental changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, including drastic decreases in estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin time following delivery, contribute to the baby blues. [2]
Studies have shown the following may contribute to baby blues:
Other studies suggest significant risk factors that may predispose a woman to the onset of baby blues include higher monoamine oxidase levels or decreased serotoninergic activity immediately following childbirth. [2]
Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that naturally occurs in the body and some foods. It plays a role in moods, depression, and stress. [4] Abnormal levels of monoamine contribute to anxiety. [1]
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many functions in the body. Still, it plays a significant role in the brain and with mood, memory, appetite, aggression, fear, perception, stress responses, and sleep rhythms. [3]
Roughly one in seven women can develop postpartum depression (PPD). [7] The baby blues usually last up to two weeks following childbirth. [7] Postpartum depression lasts longer and most commonly occurs within six weeks after delivery and occurs in 6.5%-20% of women. [7]
Postpartum depression is 4-11 times more common in women who have the baby blues. [2] According to DSM-5, the symptoms must last longer than two weeks. [2]
Baby blues symptoms are milder and last less than two weeks, and do not generally require medical treatment. Postpartum depression is more severe, causes significant distress, and significantly impairs daily life in women who suffer from it. [2]
Baby blues occur around 2-5 days after delivery and usually resolve 10-14 days, and it does not affect the functioning or the ability to care for the baby. [7]
If you experience baby blues for longer than two weeks and symptoms worsen or interfere with your ability to function, you should see your doctor. You may have postpartum depression, and you should see your doctor if you experience the following symptoms for at least two weeks: [7]
Postpartum psychosis can happen to some women and is a psychiatric emergency that can pose risks of suicide or harm or death to the infant. If you or someone is experiencing hallucinations, isn't sleeping for several nights, is agitated, or showing unusual behavior or delusions (beliefs not based on reality), you should seek immediate medical attention. [7]
Although baby blues, by definition, resolves within two weeks, self-care can help minimize symptoms. The following can be helpful:
Resources: