Does pregnancy cause mood swings?

Of course it does! The hormonal swings and the physical changes they evoke over just a few months can cause you to think you’re actually going crazy. However, there’s a good explanation for all of your intense moods. Read on to find out what they are.

Why mood swings?

Below are the top reasons that you experience mood swings during pregnancy:

Exhausted

Progesterone is the hormone that takes on the bulk of the responsibility for nourishing your growing fetus during pregnancy, and your body is producing up to 10 times as much of it now. Because of this increased production, pregnant women experience extreme fatigue in the first trimester and may need to take lots of naps during the day.

Repulsed

Progesterone isn’t the only hormone slowing you down during pregnancy. Estrogen still plays a large role in coordinating your bodily functions. Unfortunately, the amount of estrogen in your system may also slow your digestion so that your body has time to grab more nutrients from the foods that you eat. This can make you nauseous, causing you to see the world through not so rose-colored glasses.

Horny

It’s true that raging hormones play apart in your boosted libido, but it’s more complicated than that. In addition to an increase in hormones, pregnant women also experience an increase in blood flow, which occurs mostly in the lower half of the body. This increased circulation can make you more sensitive to touch. Also, your new, curvier figure may boost your self-image and make you feel sexier.

Angry

Along with the physical changes that take place during pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone also bring about physiological changes, including the amount of serotonin released by the brain. Since this chemical is known as a mood stabilizer, it’s getting off track can send you on some intense anger episodes.

Annoyed

Your breasts are tender, you’re hungry all the time, and it’s hard to get through the day without needing to take a nap. With all of these things going on internally, no wonder everything else in the world irks you. It’s totally normal to feel annoyed while you’re pregnant, given all the changes you’re having to endure.

Recommendation for calming your mood swings while pregnant

Chat it out. There are many online communities where you can go to ask questions about your mood swings and anything else that’s bothering you during pregnancy. Chances are, there’s someone else who’s gone through the exact same experience. Just be cautious, however; communicating online always requires good judgment and a bit of healthy skepticism. Click here to learn more about treatments for mood swings during pregnancy.