Mood swings during pregnancy are caused by several factors, including your fast-changing hormones, the physical discomforts of pregnancy, and the very typical concerns about forthcoming life changes. You're not alone if you feel excited for a moment and cry the moment after.
What causes mood swings during pregnancy?
Hormones, lack of sleep, and continuous anxiety are just a few of the factors that contribute to mood fluctuations during pregnancy.
You are not being theatrical; there are legitimate physical, physiological, and mental grounds for your seemingly erratic conduct.
Hormonal fluctuations
While several variables might cause mood swings, the most common is a rapid rise in unpleasant pregnancy hormones. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, a woman's body produces a rush of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones can have a negative impact on one's mental health.
Estrogen affects the entire body and is active in the brain region that regulates mood, so it's no surprise that this hormone is linked to anxiety, irritability, and sadness.
Tiredness and a lack of sleep
First-trimester weariness or late pregnancy sleep loss can add gasoline to the fickle fire, making you vulnerable to anything. When you're fatigued to the core, it's difficult to stay even-keeled and upbeat.
"weary" is an understatement in the first 12 weeks. You will continue to feel drained regardless of how much sleep you receive. This can be taxing on your body and mind, especially if you're caring for other tiny people, working, and juggling all of your other fundamental daily responsibilities.
Early morning sickness
Morning sickness creates severe physical symptoms, but it can also have significant emotional and psychological consequences. It's difficult to be your best self when you're constantly on the verge of nausea.
It's never fun to rush about looking for a toilet or an empty bag to spew up in. With so many awkward times — and the fear of unexpectedly vomiting during work meetings or while commuting — it can take a toll on your mood over time.
Physical alterations - Your changing physique may bring you tears of delight or annoyance. Some pregnant mothers like watching their stomachs swell and forms change, while others are disappointed to see their bodies transform into unrecognizable shapes in a matter of weeks.
The idea that a woman can give birth to a little human is unquestionably amazing, but anybody who has ever suffered from body image issues knows that this feat may come with its own set of difficult feelings.
What should you do if you have mood swings?
It's crucial to remember that you're not alone; mood fluctuations are a common occurrence throughout pregnancy. Knowing that what you're going through is typical and partly expected could help you deal.
The following are some methods for dealing with stress and improvise your healthy lifestyle -
- Get lots of rest.
- During the day, take a pause to rest.
- Engage in frequent physical activity.
- Eat healthily.
- Spend time with your spouse.
- Take a little nap.
- Take a walk.
- Watch a movie with a friend.
- Consider taking a pregnant yoga class or meditating.
- Consider getting a massage.
Concluding with facts
Mood swings are a typical part of pregnancy. Your body is undergoing physical and hormonal changes, and your daily routine is about to change. You certainly have emotional highs and lows.
While mood swings are frequent, depression is a distinct condition that has a significant impact on health. There is also a distinction to be made between feeling nervous and experiencing anxiety that interferes with your capacity to function during the day.
References
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/mood-swings-during-pregnancy/
- https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a253/mood-swings-in-pregnancy
- https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/mental-wellbeing/emotional-changes-pregnancy