Which statement about postpartum blues is true?

Which statement about postpartum blues is true?

• A. Mood swings, depression, and anxiety within weeks after birth.
• B. Postpartum blues are a chronic condition.
• C. Postpartum blues require long-term hospitalization.
• D. Postpartum blues affect only fathers.

Answer: (A)

Postpartum blues are a common, short-lived emotional change after delivery. The statement that mood swings, depression, and anxiety occur within weeks after birth captures what many new mothers experience: these feelings can begin in the first few days and usually peak around the first week, then fade within about one to two weeks. It’s driven by hormonal shifts, fatigue, and the stress of new motherhood, and it’s distinct from postpartum depression, which is more persistent and can affect functioning. Because of its transient nature, postpartum blues do not require long-term hospitalization or ongoing treatment. They also affect mothers, not only fathers, since the term describes the typical postpartum mood changes seen in mothers after birth.

Postpartum blues are a common, short-lived emotional change after delivery. The statement that mood swings, depression, and anxiety occur within weeks after birth captures what many new mothers experience: these feelings can begin in the first few days and usually peak around the first week, then fade within about one to two weeks. It’s driven by hormonal shifts, fatigue, and the stress of new motherhood, and it’s distinct from postpartum depression, which is more persistent and can affect functioning. Because of its transient nature, postpartum blues do not require long-term hospitalization or ongoing treatment. They also affect mothers, not only fathers, since the term describes the typical postpartum mood changes seen in mothers after birth.