Pregnancy Mood Swings

Pregnancy is a life changing event. Nothing can beat the experience of carrying a life in the womb and waiting for the day a woman will deliver your precious baby to the world. As powerful this journey may be, so are the ups and downs. Mood swings are very common during pregnancy. Understanding these changes in moods and managing them will help you have a better and positive experience during pregnancy.

No wonder many first time mums are having confusion over these mood swings. One minute you’re feeling gleeful and giggling, the next moment you find yourself to be crying for no reason. You may even catch yourself having anxiety on how postpartum life will be for you. At times, nothing your partner says or does seems to help? Whatever it is you’re feeling, you’re not alone.

Causes of Pregnancy Mood Swings

1. Stress
   One big major source for pregnancy mood swings is stress. Constantly dwelling on common worries on pregnancy such as how you’ll manage financially, can you be a good parent, will your baby be born healthy etc can build up more stress in you.
   
2. Change in Hormone Level
   When you are pregnant, the amount of progesterone and estrogen in your blood increases. This helps to prepare your body for pregnancy, but it can also affect your mood, making you feel excited and joyous to tense or easily irritated all of a sudden.
   
3. Physical and Emotional Changes
   With so much going on in your body and your mind, it’s understandable that your emotions are taking a bit of a roller-coaster ride. It is not to stay cheerful all the time when you’re facing the physical side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness, nausea and heartburn.
   

3 Ways to Cope With Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Understanding that you are not alone is very important. As overwhelming as it can be, controlling mood swings is not as difficult as it may seem. There are 3 ways by BabyOrganix you can try that may help to make your moods more manageable:

1. Talk It Out, Talk About It
   Sharing your feelings is a great antidote. Do not bottle up everything! Try to be honest about what you’re feeling with your partner, friends and family. Be vocal, honest and have a proper discussion. This would also bring you and your partner closer to making this phase more memorable.
   
2. Get Plenty of Rest
   It’s harder to manage your moods if you’re tired, so it’s important that you’re getting adequate sleep. During pregnancy, the body needs proper rest. Make sure you are sleeping well and getting enough rest in these 9 months.
   
3. Gentle Exercise
   Take a stroll, do some light stretches and simple yoga can be extremely helpful. You don’t need hardcore workouts to get those feel-good chemicals flowing in your brain. The next time you feel irritated or anxious,  take a walk anywhere alone or can ask your loved ones to join.