NCC Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Exam 2025 - Free Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

A mother experiencing postpartum blues typically exhibits emotional lability, which refers to rapid and intense fluctuations in mood or emotional state. This is a common occurrence during the postpartum period as hormonal changes, fatigue, and the stresses associated with caring for a newborn can lead to feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety. Emotional lability might manifest as crying spells or feelings of being overwhelmed, but it generally resolves within a few days to weeks after delivery without the need for medical intervention.

This emotional change is distinct from high energy levels, significant weight gain, and behavioral disengagement. High energy levels are not typically associated with postpartum blues; rather, mothers might feel fatigued due to the demands of new motherhood. Significant weight gain is not a direct symptom of postpartum blues; in fact, many new mothers experience weight loss in the early postpartum period. Behavioral disengagement can be more characteristic of postpartum depression rather than the milder postpartum blues, which usually allows mothers to still engage with their infants, despite their emotional challenges.