What is the primary characteristic of postpartum blues?

The primary characteristic of postpartum blues is mood swings and tearfulness. This condition typically occurs shortly after childbirth, affecting many new mothers as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood. It is often a temporary phase, characterized by feelings of sadness, difficulty in coping, and increased emotional sensitivity.

Mood swings can manifest as feeling happy one moment and then becoming tearful or irritable the next, which is a normal response to the significant hormonal changes, fatigue, and the stresses of caring for a newborn. These symptoms are generally mild and resolve within a few days to weeks without the need for medical treatment, distinguishing them from more serious postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, where symptoms are more severe and prolonged.