The “baby blues” (also known as maternity blues, postnatal blues, third-day blues, third-day syndrome, or postpartum blues) refers to a short period of sadness, anxiety, and emotional lability after birth. This is a normal occurrence that may affect up to 76% of new birthing parents. Maternity blues are short-duration, self-limiting, and resolve without treatment. While the baby blues are a risk factor for PPD,[1][2] they are not the same thing. PPD is both more severe and longer-lasting, and parents experiencing PPD should seek treatment.[3][4]
References
- ^Beck CTPredictors of postpartum depression: an update.Nurs Res.(2001)
- ^Al-Abri K, Edge D, Armitage CJPrevalence and correlates of perinatal depression.Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol.(2023-Jan-16)
- ^Torres,FWhat Is Peripartum Depression (formerly Postpartum): Psychiatry.org(Oct 2020)
- ^Tosto V, Ceccobelli M, Lucarini E, Tortorella A, Gerli S, Parazzini F, Favilli AMaternity Blues: A Narrative Review.J Pers Med.(2023-Jan-13)