Up to 85% of new mothers are affected by postpartum blues, with symptoms starting within a few days after childbirth and lasting up to two weeks in duration.
[16][14] The association between postpartum blues and a variety of other biological factors, including cortisol and the HPA axis,[17] tryptophan, prolactin, thyroid hormone, and others have been assessed over the years with inconclusive results.
[12] Prolactin contributes to providing the correct amount of energy to support the mother and the fetus/offspring during pregnancy and lactation, but it also has a homeostatic role.
[18] Emerging research has suggested a potential association between the gut microbiome and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Nonetheless, a variety of professional organizations recommend routine screening for depression and/or assessment of emotional well-being during pregnancy and postpartum.
Universal screening provides an opportunity to identify women with sub-clinical psychiatric conditions during this period and those at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms.
[28] Specific recommendations are listed below: Given the mixed evidence regarding causes of postpartum blues, it is unclear whether prevention strategies would be effective in decreasing the risk of developing this condition.
However, educating women during pregnancy about postpartum blues may help to prepare them for these symptoms that are often unexpected and concerning in the setting of excitement and anticipation of a new baby.
[3] Mothers who develop postpartum blues often have significant shame or guilt for feelings of anxiety or depression during a time that is expected to be joyful.
Obstetric providers may recommend that patients and their families prepare ahead of time to ensure the mother will have adequate support and rest after the delivery.
[35][5][3][26] Precise rates are difficult to obtain given lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, inconsistency of presentation to medical care, and methodological limitations of retrospective reporting of symptoms.
Evidence demonstrates that postpartum blues exists across a variety of countries and cultures, however there is considerable heterogeneity in reported prevalence rates.
A 2010 meta-analysis published in JAMA with over 28,000 participants across various countries showed that prenatal and postpartum depression affects about 10% of men.
[41] Both were significantly higher than previously reported rates of 3–4% from two large cohort studies in the United Kingdom,[42][43] which may reflect heterogeneity across countries.