When do postpartum blues typically occur following delivery?

Postpartum blues, also known as "baby blues," typically arise within a short time frame following delivery, often starting around 5 days or less after birth. The duration of these feelings is usually brief, commonly lasting around 2 to 3 days. This condition is characterized by emotional fluctuations, mild sadness, anxiety, and tearfulness, resulting from hormonal changes, physical exhaustion, and the psychological adjustment to new motherhood.

The timing and duration attributed to option C align closely with clinical observations regarding postpartum blues, distinguishing them from other more severe mood disorders like postpartum depression, which may persist for a longer duration and appear later after childbirth. Understanding the nature and timing of postpartum blues helps healthcare providers offer appropriate support and reassurance to new mothers during this transitional phase.