Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Baby blues are a common experience for women in the postpartum period. The American Pregnancy Association (2026) states that 70-80% of mothers will experience negative feelings or mood swings after the birth of a baby. Baby blues will typically occur about four to five days after giving birth. The symptoms can include crying for no reason, irritability, anxiety, and mood changes.

The challenge is that postpartum depression and anxiety are so similar to baby blues. Many women expect to have crying spells and to feel a little weepy, and it can be hard to differentiate between the two and know when it is something more. And a lot of mothers will have the thought that what they are experiencing is normal, or they may feel that what they are feeling makes them a bad mother and a failure. When it comes to baby blues, symptoms should start to improve within a couple of weeks and should come and go throughout the day, according to the American Pregnancy Association (2026). In contrast, postpartum depression or anxiety is persistent and lasts longer than two weeks. 

Postpartum Support International (2026) shares that perinatal mental health disorders can begin any time during or after pregnancy, and postpartum mental health disorders can occur within one year after the birth of a baby. A lot of the times mothers expect these issues to come up right away, but it can come up at any point within that first year as things change in parenting. 

The important point is that no matter how far along you are in your parenting journey, you can still be at risk, and you absolutely deserve the help and support you need.

What are the symptoms of Prenatal and Postpartum Depression?

• Crying spells

• Sadndess

• Feelings of overwhelm

• Irritability or agitation

• Anger

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood swings

• Apathy

• Exhaustion 

Unexpected symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• Mania

• Intrusive thoughts and images

• Protectiveness or hypervigilance

• Substance dependence 

What are the Symptoms of Prenatal and Postpartum Anxiety?

• Panic attacks

• Insomnia

• Low appetite

• Overwhelming fears

• Shaky, dizzy, or short of breath

You Don’t Have to Wait Until It Feels “Severe”

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are bringing you distress, it is okay to get help and support. You do not have to suffer alone or in silence. You do not have to wait until things feel “bad enough.” 

If your pregnancy or postpartum experience is being impacted in a way that doesn’t feel right to you, that alone is a valid reason to reach out for support. Help is available, and you deserve to feel supported during this time.

To get started with therapy, contact me for a free consultation

To learn more, visit the perinatal mental health services page

References 

American Pregnancy Association. (2026). Baby blues after pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org

Postpartum Support International. (2026). Perinatal mental health disorders. https://www.postpartum.net