Baby blues

Question 1

What are baby blues?

Answer 1

Common psychological problem from d3 post partum.

Mental illness in pregnancy classified in ICD-10 F50-59 – mental illness associated with puerperium.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of baby blues?

Answer 2

Sudden decrease in oestrogen and progestrone.

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of baby blues?

Answer 3

Women who have previously suffered PMS at higher risk, primigravidae, anxiety/depression in pregnancy, fear of labour, poor social adjustment, not associated with obstetric factors.

2/3 of mothers experience this.

Question 4

What would you find in the history and exam of baby blues?

Answer 4

Symptoms within 10d post partum, liable mood, rapid alterations, feeling confused, tearful and irritable.

Question 5

What investigations would you do for baby blues?

Answer 5

NA

Question 6

What management/ complications/ prognosis exist in baby blues?

Answer 6

Management not required. Antenatal education key.

Self resolving in a few days.

Question 7

What is the difference between baby blues, postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis?

Answer 7

Baby blues: 2-5 days after birth for a few days with labile mood, self limiting

Postnatal depression: few days to 6months after birth, lasts from weeks to years, depression needs psychotherapy and antidepressants

Puerperal Psychosis: Within first 2 weeks and stays for weeks to months, severe psychosis, needs in patient treatment