Mood swings during pregnancy
If you are pregnant
or supporting someone during your pregnancy, you have likely experienced mood
swings. You are not alone; Mood swings during pregnancy are common. You may be
excited about being pregnant, but you may also be stressed or depressed. You
may have constant worries that contribute to mood swings.
Questions such as:
- Will I be a good parent?
- How am I going to manage financially?
- Will my baby be healthy?
- Am I doing the right things to prepare for my baby?
Pregnancy is a
life-changing event, full of physical and emotional changes. Understanding
these changes will help you have a positive experience. It may be helpful to
discuss these changes and concerns with a specialist.
What causes mood swings during pregnancy?
Mood swings during
pregnancy can be caused by physical stress, fatigue, changes in your
metabolism, or the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Significant changes in
hormone levels can affect levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that
regulate mood. Mood swings are mostly felt during the first trimester between 6
and 10 weeks, and then again during the third trimester as your body prepares
for childbirth.
What can I do to deal with mood swings?
It is important to
understand that you are not alone; Mood swings are another aspect of the
pregnancy experience. Knowing that what you are going through is normal and
somewhat expected can help you cope.
The following list
includes ways to manage stress levels:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Take a break during the day to relax
- Get regular physical activity
- Eat well
- Spend time with your partner
- Take a nap.
- Go for a walk
- See a movie with a friend
- Don’t be so hard on yourself
- Try pregnancy yoga class or meditation
- Get a massage
When should I seek professional help?
If your mood swings
last longer than two weeks and don't seem to be getting better, you may want to
see your doctor for a referral. Depression is more common in women of
childbearing age, but can occur at any age.
Some symptoms of
depression include:
- Recurrent anxiety and increased irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Change in eating habits
- Inability to concentrate on anything for very long
- Short-term memory loss
If your mood swings become more frequent and intense, it's important that you talk to your doctor about options for dealing with extreme mood swings, anxiety, or depression.