Relation between unintended pregnancy and post-partum blues

To assess the prevalence of post-partum blues in mothers with unintended pregnancy compared with other mothers.

Methods: One hundred normal primiparous women were studied and divided into two groups based on whether their pregnancy was intended or unintended. The maternity blues were assessed in both groups.

Results: Three days after delivery, the blues were noted in 30 of 50 mothers, 20 of 30 women who had unintended pregnancies and 10 of 50 (20%) who had intended pregnancies. There was a significant difference ten days after delivery between the two groups (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Unintended pregnancy may be a potential causal factor for maternity 'blues'.