Baby blues after pregnancy

Tired new mom on couch with newborn, demonstrating signs of baby blues after pregnancy.

Key Points

It’s common to feel sad or moody in the first few days after having your baby. Many new parents have the “baby blues”.

It is normal to feel emotional ups and downs during this time.

Baby blues usually start a few days after birth and go away on their own within 1 to 2 weeks after birth.

Baby blues are different from postpartum depression, which is more severe and lasts longer.

If your sad feelings last more than 2 weeks or make it hard to care for yourself, tell your healthcare provider.

What are the baby blues?

Baby blues are feelings of sadness or moodiness you may have in the first few days after having a baby. Up to 4 in 5 people who give birth (80 percent) experience the baby blues. It can affect any new parent, in any family or community. You are not to blame for how you feel. Feeling “blue” does not mean you did anything wrong.

Baby blues start 2 to 3 days after birth and can last up to 2 weeks. They usually go away on their own, and you don’t need medical treatment. If your sad feelings last longer than 2 weeks, tell your healthcare provider. They may want to check you for postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to the baby blues but they’re more severe and last longer.

What causes the baby blues?

Hormone changes after birth may cause the baby blues. After you give birth, the levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone drop quickly. This can lead to mood swings. For some people, the hormones made by the thyroid gland may also drop, which can make you feeel tired and down. 

Other things can add to these feelings, like:

  • Not getting enough sleep
  • Not eating well or enough
  • Worrying about how life has changed
  • Feeling nervous about taking care of your new baby

You may be more at risk of feeling sad after having your baby if you felt depressed during another pregnancy or at other times in your life.

Baby blues or postpartum depression

It can be hard to know if what you’re feeling is the baby blues or postpartum depression.

The chart below shows some of the main differences between the two. If you notice symptoms in the postpartum depression column, or if your symptoms last more than 2 weeks, call your healthcare provider. If you’re ever worried about hurting yourself or your baby, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Baby blues or postpartum depression

Can your partner have the baby blues?

Yes. Up to 10 percent of partners can have feelings of sadness or depression after the birth of a baby. It happens most often during the first 3 to 6 months after the baby is born but can develop up to a year later.

If your partner has the baby blues, they may:

  • Pull away and want to be alone
  • Feel angry, moody, cranky or anxious
  • Lose interest in work or favorite hobbies, or choose to work more
  • Get frustrated or sad
  • Feel hopeless or overwhelmed
  • Have trouble sleeping or making decisions

Lack of sleep, relationship problems or stress can all play a role. Some male partners also may have hormone changes during and after the baby is born. Testosterone levels may drop and estrogen levels may rise in new fathers. Other hormones, such as cortisol, vasopressin and prolactin, may rise. These changes can also affect mood.

What can you do about the baby blues?

The baby blues usually go away on their own without treatment. Here are some things you can do to feel better:

  • Rest when you can. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps.  
  • Ask for help. Let your partner, family and friends know what they can do for you or what you need. This could be making a meal, cleaning, or watching the baby while you shower or nap.  
  • Take time for yourself. Ask someone you trust to watch your baby so you can get out of the house or do something you enjoy.
  • Connect with other new parents. A support group or parenting group may be helpful. Avoid alcohol and drugs. If you drink alcohol, use street drugs, or take prescription medicines, talk with your healthcare provider so you can get support. These can make your mood worse and make it harder to care for yourself and your baby.
  • Eat whole foods and move your body if you can. If you’re able, gentle exercise can help reduce stress.

When should you call your healthcare provider?

Call your provider if you have any of the symptoms of baby blues or postpartum depression, especially if your symptoms:

  • Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Don’t get better after 2 weeks
  • Get worse over time
  • Make it hard for you to take care of your baby
  • Make it hard to do everyday chores

If you ever feel like you might hurt yourself or your baby, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

More information

Last reviewed: December 2025