Postpartum Blues Flashcards
What are postpartum blues?
a transient mood disorder that typically manifests around three days after childbirth. It is characterized by irritability, anxiety about parenting skills, and tearfulness. The condition typically resolves within two weeks without medical intervention.
What causes postpartum blues?
believed to be associated with hormonal changes that occur after childbirth, including a rapid drop in levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Other factors such as lack of sleep, physical discomfort after delivery, and the stress and challenges of caring for a new baby may also contribute.
What are signs and symptoms for PB?
Irritability
Anxiety about parenting skills
Tearfulness
What are differentials of PB?
Postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis.
Distinguishing features:
Postnatal depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness; difficulty bonding with the baby; severe mood swings; trouble eating, sleeping, or concentrating; and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
Postpartum psychosis: Severe confusion and disorientation, hallucinations and delusions, paranoia, and attempts to harm oneself or the baby.
How is PB investigated?
Routine screening at medical appointments is recommended by NICE to identify the approximately 10% of women who may develop postnatal depression following postpartum blues.
Screening may involve the use of validated tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
How is PB managed?
Management of postpartum blues is primarily supportive, involving reassurance to mothers that this condition is common
should be encouraged to seek help if symptoms persist beyond two weeks or if they develop symptoms of postnatal depression or postpartum psychosis.
