postpartum blues [L, post, after, partus, birth; ME, bleu] , an emotional effect of childbirth experienced by mothers, consisting mainly of transient feelings of sadness for a period of about 72 hours. If the symptom persists for a longer period, the diagnosis of depression may apply. The condition may require psychotherapy, use of antidepressant medications, or both. It may occur more than once in the same person after subsequent pregnancies and may have serious consequences if untreated. See also postpartum depression.
