The baby blues, otherwise known as postpartum blues, refer to a short period after giving birth that is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, mood swings and emotional stress. They usually appear within the first three days after birth and can persist till up to about two weeks. The baby blues are so common that about 4 out of every 5 mothers would experience them.
Causes of the Baby Blues
Researchers have not been able to find out the exact cause of the baby blues yet. However, it is believed to be due to the various physical and emotional changes that occur in your body after giving birth. During pregnancy, the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in your body are usually high. But shortly after delivery, these hormones reduce drastically, and this may cause some mood changes. Your breast may become engorged with milk, which can cause you some discomfort. Your body may also experience some fatigue, as it attempts to begin recovering from the stress of pregnancy and childbirth.
Symptoms of the Baby Blues
While people’s individuals experiences of the baby blues vary, the general symptoms include:
- Crying over minor triggers
- Having mood swings
- Being easily irritable
- Missing your old life without a baby
- Worrying and feeling anxious about your baby’s health and wellbeing
- Not being able to sleep even when you are exhausted.
When to See Your Doctor
If your symptoms last for more than two weeks or you experience symptoms like changes in appetite (eating too much or too little), feelings of worthlessness, having little energy or not caring about your baby, kindly reach out to your doctor. This is because you may be suffering from a severe condition known as postpartum depression.
A Word From HealthFacts to You
If your symptoms last for more than two weeks or you experience symptoms like changes in appetite (like eating too much or too little), feelings of worthlessness, having little energy or not caring about your baby, kindly reach out to your doctor as you may be suffering from a serious condition known as postpartum depression.
