During pregnancy, the level of progesterone and estrogen in the blood are high. These changes make you happy one minute and tearful the next. This is just a sign of mood swings during pregnancy. The following article provides information about what causes these erratic behavior, and how they can be dealt with.
Pregnancy is a joyous time for a couple, especially the mother. For a pregnant woman, the pregnancy and the responsibilities can wreak emotional havoc, and cause severe mood swings. Moreover, the physical changes in the body also affect the mind and lead to these mood swings. In this condition, the woman finds herself jubilant at one moment, mad with rage at another, and uncontrollably sobbing at yet another. The very presence of such mood swings can cause further emotional turmoil.
Women may experience the onset of mood swings early during pregnancy, starting in the first trimester. They wear off slowly during the second trimester. However, many women have experienced the return of mood swings during the third trimester.
Causes
The causes of mood swings during pregnancy are both physical and psychological. While the changing hormones can affect your emotional state of mind, so can your thoughts, feelings, and even your environment.
- The prime cause of mood swings is the change in the hormone levels in the body during pregnancy. The body is full of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, and the imbalance of these hormones can cause mood swings. Mainly, these hormones affect the neurotransmitter levels in the body which can affect the way the women feel mentally.
- As aforementioned, the physical changes in the body may make a woman feel unattractive, and therefore depressed and unhappy. Other side effects of pregnancy include fatigue and heartburn.
- The stress of pregnancy is another cause of mood swings in women during this time. Particularly in case of the first pregnancy, one may be wondering whether having a baby at this point in life is right, even though the pregnancy may be planned.
- The pressure to be a good parent is present even before the baby is born. In such a case, one may find herself in a state of confusion regarding whether she is taking good care of her baby’s health, and whether she has taken other necessary measures for the birth of a healthy baby.
- Also, the fear of an increased financial responsibility is likely to have one worried about the future, and add to the mood swings.
How to Deal with Mood Swings
Mood swings are natural during pregnancy, and one needn’t worry about them. Of course, this tendency to burst with emotions, particularly negative emotions, should be controlled at a particular level. To deal with it, here are some measures you can take.
Calm Down
You need to understand that every pregnant woman faces mood swings, though the intensity may vary. Stop trying to do everything at the same time before the baby arrives. The very thought may be causing you a lot of stress. Take one thing at a time, and also take help from your partner and family in doing all these chores.
Speak Up
Suppressing all these emotions can really make you irritable. Blurt out all the feelings and speak to your partner about your fears, concerns, joys, sadness, and everything else. This is definitely going to make a lot of difference.
Keep Fit
Following a routine of safe exercises can keep you emotionally controlled and positive. You will find that you are able to deal with your mood swings in a better way. Also, remember to eat right and get a good amount of sleep. Often fatigue contributes to these mood swings.
Laugh and be Happy
Make sure you get your daily dose of laughter. Whether you get it from catching up with your girlfriends, spending time with your partner, or watching your favorite movie, remember to keep yourself happy.
Bond
At this emotionally overwhelming time, nothing serves better than the presence of your partner. Bond and enjoy this special phase of your life together.
Yoga and Meditation
Lastly, the best way to keep your mind calm and free of strong emotions is to practice yoga and meditation.
Doing anything that makes you feel happy will definitely help you keep those mood swings under control. If you find that none of these measures are working and you are still feeling blue, perhaps you ought to consult a counselor, who will be able to effectively help you cope with these problems. Also, remember that your mental state will directly affect your baby’s physical and emotional health. The happier you keep yourself, the smoother your whole pregnancy and subsequent childbirth will be.
