[Early puerperal depression: the puerperal blues]

The incidence and morbidity factors as regards non-psychotic depression during the puerperium (puerperal blues or maternity blues or post-partum blues) has been investigated in 50 females at random. Puerperal blues was diagnosed as the presence of depression in keeping with Kellner's symptomatic questionnaire. Approximately two-thirds of women experience depression during the early puerperium. Primiparas, patients who have had traumatic delivery (cesarean delivery) and those who have had considerable traumatic experience during pregnancy, and/or presented a previous history of psychopathological disorders, are more subject to puerperal blues.