What are pregnancy mood swings?
Mood swings are typical during pregnancy due to stress, exhaustion, and hormonal changes that influence neurotransmitter levels (chemical messengers in the brain). There’s also the wide spectrum of emotions you could experience as you prepare to become a parent.
Everyone reacts differently to these changes. Some expectant mothers feel heightened emotions, both good and bad. Some people are more depressed or worried than others. Moodiness often starts about 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, fades in the second trimester, and then resumes as the due date approaches.
The thought of having a child can make you happy one day, and then make you wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into the next. You might be worried about being a good mother, whether the child will be healthy, and how having a child would affect your family’s finances. Additionally, you might be worried about how becoming a parent will impact your relationship with your partner and other kids, such as how you’ll be able to give them the care they need.
Meanwhile, as your body changes, you may feel unattractive and worried about gaining too much weight or appearing “big,” especially if you aren’t able to exercise as often as you’d want.
Heartburn, tiredness, and frequent urination are some of the physical symptoms of pregnancy that can be bothersome. During this period, it’s common to feel as if you’ve lost control of your body and life. All of these worries could send your emotions on a roller coaster.
How can I manage pregnancy mood swings?
Try to remind yourself that you are experiencing natural emotional turbulence right now. Making a conscious effort to nurture oneself, on the other hand, might help you maintain your equilibrium during difficult circumstances.
- Take it easy on yourself. Avoid the temptation to finish as many chores as possible before the baby arrives. You may believe that before leaving on maternity leave, you need to stencil bunnies on the nursery walls, reorganise all of the closets, or put in a lot of overtime, but you don’t. Instead, prioritise yourself at the top of your to-do list. After all, taking care of yourself is an important part of caring for your baby.
- Make a connection with your partner. Expressing your emotions while assuring your partner of your love will go a long way toward strengthening your bond. Make sure you spend plenty of time together, and if possible, take a trip. Strengthen your bond now so that when the kid arrives, you can truly be there for each other.
If you’re single, find a support group for single moms-to-be or do something to foster your friendships and family relationships. This will be extremely beneficial to you both now and after your baby is born.
- Do something that makes you feel good. This may entail setting aside some time for you and your partner. Take a nap, go for a stroll, get a prenatal massage, or go watch a movie with a buddy if you want to do something just for you.
- Talk it out. Discuss your concerns about the future with sympathetic people. Putting your worries into words can help you gain a hold on them or provide insight into possible solutions. Maintain open channels of communication with your relationship, and make it a two-way street by listening to your partner as well as pouring out your feelings.
- Manage your stress. Find strategies to decompress rather than allowing your frustrations to pile up. Get lots of rest, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and have fun. Identify stressors in your life and make any necessary changes, such as reducing your to-do list. If worry persists, consider enrolling in a prenatal yoga class, practising meditation or other relaxation techniques, or seeking professional help.
What if I can’t shake my moodiness?
Talk to your practitioner and ask for a referral to a counsellor if your mood swings are becoming more frequent or extreme, or if they persist longer than two weeks. You could be one of the 14 to 23 percent of pregnant women who suffer from mild to moderate depression.
It’s critical to get expert attention and treatment while you’re pregnant if you feel you have any of these illnesses. Untreated emotional health problems have been shown to damage your baby’s physical well-being and raise your risk of preterm labour and postpartum depression, according to research. Both psychotherapy and medicine can be highly beneficial in addressing these disorders, allowing you and your baby to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period.
FAQ
- How can I help my pregnant wife with mood swings?
Suggestions for coping with mood swings during pregnancy
Take it all in stride…
Attempt to raise your downs.
Lean on your partner for support.
Remember to stop by the snack car…
Prioritize self-care….
Wherever you can, eliminate stress.
Make a connection with others.
Make sure you attend your prenatal appointments. - When do mood swings start during pregnancy?
Neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood, can be affected by significant changes in hormone levels. Mood swings are most common between 6 and 10 weeks in the first trimester, and then again in the third trimester as your body prepares for birth.
- When do mood swings stop in pregnancy?
Everyone reacts differently to these changes. Some expectant mothers experience heightened emotions, both good and bad. Some people are more depressed or anxious than others. Moodiness often appears around 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, fades in the second trimester, and then reappears as the due date approaches.
- Why is my pregnant wife so angry?
During pregnancy, some women experience irritability and even anger. Hormone fluctuations are one cause of mood swings. Similarly to how some women become irritable just before their period every month, these same women may experience frustration and anger during pregnancy.
