Postnatal: Baby blues

Question 1

Define baby blues.

Answer 1

feelings of sadness in first few days after birth
Occurs within days, resolve within 2w

Question 2

What is the aetiology of baby blues?

Answer 2

Sudden decrease in oestrogen + progestrone.

Question 3

What are risk factors for the baby blues?

Answer 3

Women who have previously suffered PMS at higher risk

Anxiety/ depression in pregnancy

Poor social support

Question 4

Summarise the epidemiology for the baby blues.

Answer 4

2/3 of mothers

Question 5

What are 6 signs and symptoms of the baby blues?

Answer 5

Sx within 10d post partum
Emotional lability
Low mood
Tearfulness
Irritability
Anxiety

Question 6

What investigations should be performed for the baby blues?

Answer 6

CLINICAL Dx

Question 7

How are the baby blues managed?

Answer 7

Reassurance, education + support.

Screen for suicidal/ homicidal thoughts/ paranoia

Question 8

What is the prognosis of the baby blues?

Answer 8

Self resolving in a few days.