Pregnancy Mood Swings

mood swings mother Many women undergo fiercely distressing mood swings during pregnancy. Despite being a natural consequence of hormonal changes during this time, mood swings can be hugely debilitating if experienced, particularly if you are unawares to its symptoms. Read over the following paragraphs for more information on overcoming pregnancy mood swings.

What causes pregnancy mood swings?

During pregnancy, mood swings (frequent unexplained changes in mood for no apparent reason) are normal because of hormonal changes that affect the body´s levels of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, and the broad range of feelings one experiences about the prospect of becoming a parent.

Everyone responds differently to the combination of changes that are a result of being pregnant. Some expectant mothers experience heightened emotions, both good and bad, whilst others feel more depressed or anxious. A majority of women find that moodiness flares up at around six to 10 weeks, eases during the second trimester and then reappears as their pregnancy winds to a close.

Mood swings are also a natural reaction to the stressful and overwhelming time that is pregnancy. You may feel exhilarated at the thought of having a baby and then just as quickly question your decision. There are also a host of insecurities that feed into mood swings such as whether the baby will be healthy, what kind of mother you´ll make, the relationship with the father, and future finances. These are all natural feelings that even the most determined mothers have to face.

Another factor which affects mood swings during pregnancy is the body´s physically changed state. This often leaves many women feeling unattractive in their own or sometimes partner´s eyes. Women sometimes get disheartened mood swings painful that they can´t do as much exercise as they did previously or want to do now and worry about the extra fat that is grown to accommodate the pregnancy.

Painful physical symptoms during pregnancy, such as heartburn, fatigue and frequent urination can also be a bother that feeds into mood swings. Feeling that you have lost control of your body only enhances the emotional roller coaster ride.

What can be done to help pregnancy mood swings?

Mood swings are just another aspect of pregnancy and knowing what is normally experienced emotionally (outlined above) can help. Apart from that, there are some tips that can help manage stress and relieve mood swings.

• Making sure you get plenty of regular sleep.
• Have a rest during the day to relax.
• Regular physical activity (even if it is only walking to the store).
• Eat healthily.
• Spend quality time with your partner.
• Take power naps.
• Take some time for yourself (for example, see a movie with a friend).
• Try pregnancy yoga class or meditation.
• Get a massage.

In addition to positive changes in lifestyle habits (a better diet and exercise routine) there are some alternative remedies that have been shown to help alleviate (not remove altogether, which is practically impossible) some of the problems of pregnancy mood swings. Natural herbs sometimes help stabilize the hormones that tend to fluctuate so dramatically during pregnancy. For more information on some of the remedies for pregnancy mood swings click here.

Three approaches for pregnancy mood swings:
Three approaches can be considered for pregnancy mood swings: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) alternative approaches and (3)drugs and surgery. The safest way is to start with the least risky approach before advancing to the next level. Click on treatments for pregnancy mood swings to learn more.