Definition

Baby blues syndrome is a collection of symptoms that manifest several days after a mother gives birth and include depression, anxiety, tension, and mood swings. Individuals diagnosed with baby blues syndrome typically encounter fluctuations in temperament, increased instances of crying, irrational anxiety, and sleep disturbances. In addition, individuals with infant blues syndrome may experience anxiety when they anticipate experiencing joy following the birth of their child.

Baby blues syndrome typically occurs within a few days following childbirth, commencing within the initial two to three days and potentially persisting for two weeks. A very challenging birth, on the other hand, may have caused the onset of infant blues syndrome symptoms. Approximately 80%, or four out of every five mothers who have recently given birth, will experience infant blues syndrome symptoms within a brief period. After giving birth to a child, between 70 and 80 percent of all new mothers experience negative emotions or mood fluctuations. Although negative emotions characterize infant blues syndrome, it usually resolves on its own within a night without the need for intervention.

Causes

At this time, the etiology of infant blues syndrome remains uncertain. The occurrence of infant blues syndrome, nevertheless, is frequently correlated with physiological and psychological transformations in the mother. A mother who has recently given birth experiences significant hormonal fluctuations throughout her pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Estrogen and progesterone, female reproductive hormones, increase tenfold during pregnancy but fall significantly after delivery. Three days following delivery, these hormone concentrations return to pre-pregnancy levels. Infant blues syndrome may result from the chemical changes these hormonal fluctuations induce in the brain. Additionally, the emotional changes associated with newly having a baby also create an increased risk of baby blues syndrome.

When a mother has insufficient hours of sleep and is overwhelmed with caring for her baby, she may experience difficulty dealing with even small problems. Mothers may also feel anxious about their ability to care for their newborn baby, feel less attractive, feel like they have lost their identity, or feel that they have lost control of their lives. Any of these problems can contribute to the onset of baby blues syndrome.

Risk factor

Several risk factors that can cause baby blues syndrome include:

• Have a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
• Have a family history of depression or mood disorders
• Limited social support
• There is conflict in the marriage
• There is a history of depression during pregnancy or in a previous pregnancy.
• Have a history of bipolar disorder.
• Have experienced a stressful event during pregnancy, such as pregnancy complications, illness, or job loss. 
• Your baby has health problems or other special needs
• Having twins, triplets, or other multiple births
• Having difficulty breastfeeding
• Having financial problems
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

Symptoms

It takes two to three days after giving birth for baby blues syndrome symptoms to show up. Usually, baby blues syndrome goes away on its own, usually 10 days after birth but sometimes up to 14 days. One person may feel different signs of baby blues syndrome than another. Some of these symptoms are:

• Being irritable or crying a lot because of little things
• Having sudden changes in mood for no reason or getting very angry
• Not feeling close to your baby
• Giving up things from your old life, like the freedom to hang out with friends,
• Having worries or fears about your baby's health and safety
• Being anxious or having sleeplessness (not being able to sleep) even though you're tired
• Not being able to think straight or having trouble making simple choices
• Being too tired to want to eat or take care of yourself
• Having a hard time taking care of the baby.

Diagnosis

There is no need for a special test to confirm a diagnosis of baby blues syndrome. The doctor will start by talking to you about your medical background. They will ask about your symptoms and any risk factors you may have. Do not forget that the signs of baby blues syndrome start two to three days after the mother gives birth and last no longer than two weeks. If the signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks, baby blues syndrome is not likely to be the cause.

Management

In most cases of baby blues syndrome, no special treatment is required. The phase after giving birth is sometimes difficult for mothers who have just given birth, so mothers need to take care of themselves as best as possible. Finding things that make you feel better during this transition can help you return to “normal,” or at least find your new normal quicker. Several things you can do to overcome the symptoms of baby blues syndrome include:

• Sleep as much as you can, and rest when your baby naps.
• Ask for help from others to cook food, change diapers, and care for other household needs. Don't try to do everything yourself.
• Eat well and go out of the house occasionally. Feed your body with nutritious food and get fresh air.
• Talk and confide in other people; chat with family members or close friends who won't judge you; or consult a psychologist.
• Do something you enjoy, even if only for 20 minutes at a time.
• Committing to your partner will help you both feel connected and supported by each other.

Complications

In most cases, baby blues syndrome does not result in complications and resolves within two weeks following the delivery of the infant. Nevertheless, newborn melancholy syndrome may result in the following for babies:

• The baby has difficulty sleeping
• Babies can experience growth and developmental disorders
• The baby becomes passive

Prevention

Several things you can do to prevent the onset of baby blues syndrome include:

• Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby.
• Limit visitors when you first come home from the hospital after giving birth.
• Ask others for help, and tell them how they can help you.
• Sleep or rest while your baby sleeps.
• Exercise, go for a walk, and leave the house to rest.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Keep in touch with your family and friends, and don't isolate yourself.
• Improve your relationship with your partner by making time for each other.
• Research has shown that omega-3 fats, EPA, and DHA if consumed during pregnancy, can reduce the risk of premature birth and depression in new mothers.

When to see a doctor?

Baby blues syndrome is a condition that frequently manifests in the majority of postpartum mothers. Suppose symptoms persist for more than two weeks. In that case, if you are unable to perform normal daily activities, you have suicidal thoughts about yourself or your child, or you feel extremely anxious, fearful, and panicked for the majority of the day, consult a physician immediately.