Pregnancy, the moment when offspring develop within a woman’s womb, is the most beautiful phase of a woman’s life. Pregnancy is recognized by the oscillation between pure, unadulterated delight and outright pain. Mood swings are the main cause of the crazy ride with euphoria and sadness that some pregnant women experience.
A human pregnancy lasts 9 months and is divided into three trimesters, each lasting three months. Hormone levels are drastically altered during pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise in the blood, which also affects a woman’s emotional well-being.
Causes of mood swings during pregnancy
Mood swings are the result of your body’s ongoing hormonal fluctuations, and hormonal mood swings during pregnancy can turn your pregnancy into an emotional roller coaster. Hormonal changes alone, contrary to popular opinion, are not the cause of these mood swings. Here are some reasons why you might have mood swings during pregnancy.
- An increase in hormone levels: An increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen is one of the key reasons for mood swings during pregnancy. The neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages) in your brain are affected by these hormonal changes. When the amount of these neurotransmitters increases or decreases, it has a direct impact on how you get excited. Suddenly, you may be worried, irritated or irritated, or feel euphoric and happy.
- Stress: Worrying about the future and well-being or delivery of your growing baby can trigger hormonal fluctuations, which can affect her mood.
- Common health changes: During pregnancy, other frequent changes can occur in your body, and as a result, you may notice changes in your mood. Heartburn, frequent urination, and exhaustion are all common pregnancy problems that can influence your health and mood.
- Emotional and physical stress: During this period, women can become especially sensitive and even the smallest thing can irritate them. Another major cause of mood swings is emotional stress. Physical stress and excessive activity, on the other hand, can damage your mood. Your mood is also influenced by your metabolism. Indeed, your emotions can be all over the place for a variety of reasons.
When do mood swings occur during pregnancy?
Mood swings are most common in the first and last trimesters of pregnancy but can occur at any time during pregnancy. Mood swings in the first week of pregnancy set the tone for the length of pregnancy during the first trimester. Let’s take a look at how these mood swings affect a woman for three trimesters:
Explaining mood swings during pregnancy during the trimester
Because pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, it can help to understand what each phase entails to be better prepared and enjoy the different stages of pregnancy:
- Mood swings during the first trimester: The first trimester of pregnancy can be challenging, especially for women who are expecting their first child and are not used to such drastic changes. In most situations, mood fluctuations during pregnancy appear to be quite apparent in the first trimester. Some women, however, may experience them at a later period. Everything will come at once, from morning sickness to impatience, so be patient with yourself and remember that it is quite normal to act as you do.
- Mood swings during the second trimester: The second trimester seems to be the most relaxed part of pregnancy. It is time to relax if you have already experienced mood swings during the initial phase. Mood swings during second-trimester pregnancy are less noticeable because you have already adjusted to the hormonal roller coaster your body is experiencing. This is true for most women; however, some women may experience mood swings during this time.
- Mood swings during the third trimester: Mood swings are likely to peak and are usually worse during the third trimester of pregnancy. This is made more difficult by the fact that women in this period are prone to heartburn, insomnia, and exhaustion. As a result, it is likely to be the most difficult stage of pregnancy to cope with.
What if your pregnancy mood swings don't stop?
Mood swings are common during pregnancy. If they seem to overwhelm you beyond your ability to handle them, you may want to think of some effective strategies to deal with them. You can also talk to your doctor about it.
How to control mood swings during pregnancy
Controlling your mood swings may not be as difficult as it sounds. Each lady can research many possibilities and select the one that best suits her needs. So how do you handle her emotions during pregnancy? Any of the following possibilities could be considered:
- Get enough sleep: It’s not easy being pregnant, and your body needs all the rest it can get. Check if you are sleeping well and getting enough rest.
- Get Regular Physical Activity: Most doctors recommend that you do some light activity during pregnancy. Endorphins are released when you exercise and can make you feel relaxed and cheerful during pregnancy. If you want to start exercising during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about appropriate physical activities to start with.
- Spend some time with your partner: all you need is advice to talk about how and what you are feeling. You should express your feelings and talk about them with your partner is often beneficial. After all, it is a collaborative effort!
- Eat nutritious meals: You need to be very careful about what you eat during pregnancy, as it could have a negative impact on your mood. High-calorie foods have been shown to have a high glycemic index, which influences blood sugar levels. You may have mood swings as a result of this. Therefore, it is highly recommended to eat a balanced nutritious diet.
- Enjoy fun activities like watching a movie with your friends: Nothing beats quality time with your friends and family to relax. So bring your friends and enjoy a movie together. A change in routine can be beneficial to your health. You can also call your friend and talk to him, which will make you feel much better.
- Get a massage: There’s nothing like a spa treatment. Your body is under physical strain and a massage may help to relieve some of it.
- Take a walk: Having some “me” time during pregnancy and after delivery is vital. Taking a walk can help you calm down and collect your thoughts. To get some fresh air, take a walk in your garden. You can always ask your lover to accompany you if you don’t want to go alone.
You will be able to deal with mood swings on your own most of the time. However, if your mood swings get out of control, you should see a doctor. This is especially true if you have anxiety problems, health problems, or other problems. Also, if depression develops, it is critical that you report it to your doctor immediately. Your health is important as it affects the health of your child.
Left untreated or not mentioned, sadness can lead to preterm labour and postpartum depression, a mood disorder that occurs after delivery. Although all new mothers are at risk for depression, look for predictors to help you spot them. Anxiety during pregnancy, stressful life events, traumatic childbirth, lack of support, etc., are examples of these. If you have trouble controlling your mood swings or the therapies you’ve tried don’t work, talk to your doctor.
Mood swings are common throughout pregnancy, but don’t let them stop you from enjoying the time you have with your baby. There are a variety of techniques for dealing with mood swings during pregnancy, and you may need to try a couple to determine which one works best for you. Have a good pregnancy and a healthy baby!
