Mental health articles

The ‘baby blues’ are common, transient symptoms occurring in 50–80 per cent
of new mothers (Cooper & Murray, 1995). Symptoms include: mood swings from sadness to elation, with tears likely either way; increased sensitivity; irritability,
exhaustion and a variety of aches and pains. Some experts believe that if the
predominant mood is positive, the ‘blues’ should be described as the ‘pinks’ or the
‘highs’. These symptoms may last from a few hours to 10 days and usually peak
on the third or fifth day after delivery, the time for most women when their ‘milk comes in’. The timing and frequency with which these symptoms occur has led
to general acceptance that physiological changes play a large part in the
symptoms associated with the ‘blues’ although no particular hormonal or other physiological marker has been identified as causal. During delivery and in the
immediate post-partum period there are dramatic falls in the hormonal levels
associated with pregnancy and further changes with the onset of lactation.
Support and encouragement combined with the information that these
symptoms are likely to be short-lived, constitute sufficient management in most instances. Severe ‘blues’ or ‘pinks’ are considered to indicate a higher risk of
subsequent clinical depression or other psychiatric disorder and indicate a need for ongoing monitoring if the mood lability and other symptoms persist.

Tags: symptoms