Mood Swings During Pregnancy
Mood Swings During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatment
If you are pregnant or are supporting someone through pregnancy, you probably have had some experience with mood swings. You are not alone; mood swings during pregnancy are common. You may be excited about being pregnant, but you can also be stressed or overwhelmed. You may have constant worries that contribute to your 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 prove helpful to talk through these changes and worries with a professional.
What causes mood swings during pregnancy?
Mood changes during pregnancy can be caused by physical stresses, fatigue, changes in your metabolism, or by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Significant changes in your hormone levels can affect your level of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood. Mood swings are mostly experienced during the first trimester between 6 to 10 weeks and then again in the third trimester as your body prepares for birth.
What should I do to treat my mood swings?
It is important to understand you are not alone; mood swings are just another aspect of the pregnancy experience. Knowing that what you are experiencing is normal and somewhat expected may help you cope.
The following list includes ways to manage your stress level:
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 more than two weeks and do not seem to get better, you may want to ask your health care provider for a referral to a counselor.