The mix of both good and bad times makes a pregnancy journey memorable. One of which is mood swings— one moment, you are happy arranging things and counting down the days to meet your baby, and suddenly the next moment you might find yourself crying because you are badly craving chocolate ice cream.
Not every pregnant woman goes through these intense and rapid changes in her feelings and emotions, but for those who go through this, it can be challenging and overwhelming at the same time. However, the best part is that these mood swings are not permanent. Sometime or the other you will feel back to normal once again.
So, What is a Pregnancy Mood Swing?
Mood swings during pregnancy are quick and sudden changes in your feelings and emotions that generally occur due to various hormonal changes when pregnant. Pregnancy mood swings are almost similar to the ones you have before your periods. One moment, you might feel happy and the next you could feel extremely sad or angry. Even though these mood swings can be sometimes frustrating, it is completely normal during pregnancy.
When Can I Expect My Mood Swings to Start When Pregnant?
Lots of pregnant women notice that they become more impulsive during their first trimester, usually around 6 to 10 weeks into pregnancy. That is when your estrogen and progesterone levels are said to go up quickly in order to support your pregnancy. The mood swings often seem to get better during the second trimester but sometimes it can also come back as you get closer to your due date.
Causes of Mood Swings While Pregnant
Lack of Sleep
Feeling tired all the time is normal when you do not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep during the first trimester or later during pregnancy can make things difficult to handle. It is tough to stay calm when you are actually tired.
In the first 12 weeks, no matter how much you sleep, you will still feel inactive, especially if you already have another child to take care of and manage all your daily activities. While you move toward the end of your pregnancy period, it can be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position with a growing belly. This might lead to various pregnancy pains and discomfort that can highly affect your mood.
However, finding the right pregnancy pillow can help. It not only supports your growing body but also gives you much-needed sleep.
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Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, your body goes through many hormonal changes. The rise in hormones like estrogen and progesterone is what causes mood swings.
An increase in the estrogen level triggers the brain cells that manage your mood. This makes you feel sad, anxious, or even angry. On the other hand, Progesterone hormones relax your muscles, help prevent early contractions, and make you feel tired.
Physical Changes
The physical changes taking place in your body might either make you feel joyful or frustrated. Some expecting mothers enjoy seeing their bellies grow and their shapes change, while others might feel a little upset seeing their bodies transform so quickly.
Morning Sickness
Dealing with morning sickness is not just about the physical discomfort – it can affect your mind too. It is hard to feel good when you are constantly worried about getting nauseous or rushing to the bathroom to throw up.
A feeling that you might suddenly feel sick anytime during the day can greatly affect your mood.
Stress and Anxiety
Feeling anxious about parenthood or adding another child to your family is normal. But a few stress a lot about life changes and financial concerns leading to feelings of bitterness, worry, or tension.
Some also worry about their due dates. Stressing about labor can make any mom-to-be feel uneasy. Remember, while it's natural to have fears about delivery, especially for first-timers or those who have gone through some past complications, talking to your medical team of professionals always helps.
How to Deal with Pregnancy Mood Swings?
- Get a good nights sleep when pregnant. Following a bedtime routine and having a good quality pregnancy body pillow can help.
- Talk to your close friends or doctor when needed about the way you feel.
- Working out and indulging in exercises during pregnancy can help manage stress and mood swings.
- Pregnancy can be both emotionally and physically tough to deal with. Do not take too much pressure about things that are not going right. This might trigger your mood swings. Remember, this is all temporary.
- If in case you are feeling extremely emotional or you feel things are hard to handle then you might be dealing with anxiety or prenatal depression. Therefore try to reach out to your doctor or a psychologist immediately.
When to Seek Help from Medical Professionals
Feeling mood swings during pregnancy is normal, but if things seem to get out of control, it is okay to talk to a professional. Remember, seeking help is always good for you and your baby.
Mood swings can sometimes lead to severe depression during pregnancy. Keep an eye on what your body is going through as depression signs are almost similar to pregnancy mood swings, but if you have any of these signs for at least two weeks, the ACOG suggests talking to your healthcare provider:
- Losing interest in work or other activities
- Feeling sad most of the day, almost every day
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless often
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts about death or suicide
Conclusion
Dealing with mood swings while pregnant can be tough, but it is completely normal for a mom-to-be to experience them. Figuring out what causes these mood swings and talking openly about it can make your emotional journey smoother. Remember these changes your body is going through during pregnancy are actually making you ready for the next chapter.
Sources:
American Pregnancy Association: Mood Swings During Pregnancy
Healthline: Pregnancy Mood Swings: Why You’re Feeling Them and What to Do
