Postpartum-Blues
Although delivering a baby is typically a happy event, many postpartum women develop depressive symptoms. These symptoms may manifest as the postpartum blues, which consist of mild depressive symptoms that are generally self-limited, but may be a risk factor for more severe syndromes of major depression. 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. Presentation - Symptoms of postpartum blues can vary significantly from one individual to another, and from one pregnancy to the next. Many symptoms of postpartum blues overlap both with normal symptoms experienced by new parents and with postpartum depression. Individuals with postpartum blues have symptoms that are milder and less disruptive to their daily functioning compared to those with postpartum depression. Symptoms of postpartum blues include, but are not limited to: Tearfulness or crying "for no reason" Mood