How long do baby blues last?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineThe baby blues usually last up to about two weeks, starting 2-3 days after birth and fading on their own; low mood that lasts longer or worsens may be postpartum depression and needs help.

The baby blues usually last up to about two weeks. They typically begin 2-3 days after birth, peak in the first week, and fade on their own without treatment.

The usual course

• Days 2-3: Symptoms often start as pregnancy hormones drop.
• First week: Tearfulness, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed may peak.
• By two weeks: Feelings usually settle as your hormones and routine stabilize.

What helps in the meantime

• Rest whenever you can and accept help with chores and the baby
• Talk to your partner, friends, or other parents
• Eat regularly and get outside when possible
• Lower your expectations of yourself - recovery takes time

When to get help

If your low mood, anxiety, or tearfulness lasts longer than two weeks, keeps getting worse, or you can't enjoy or cope with daily life, it may be postpartum depression. Contact your provider. Seek help urgently if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Femora helps you track how your mood changes over the first weeks so you can see if it's lifting.