Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, but it can be stressed and overwhelmed. Because of the hormonal, emotional and physical factors can cause severe fatigue and mood swings during the pregnancy. Mood swings during pregnancy are defined as a psychological disorder which can cause “rapidly changing and unpredictable moods”. In some cases, pregnant women may not know why they are sad or angry, and this can be upsetting for many.
Pregnancy hormones and mood swings are very much related to each other but the severity varies from one person to another. Some mothers-to-be experience severe emotions, both good and bad, while some others feel more depressed and anxious.
Significant changes in your hormone levels may affect the neurotransmitter levels, which is a brain chemical for mood regulation. Unfortunately, an expecting mother will experience fluctuating hormone levels, which can lead to mood swings in early pregnancy and again they reappear in the third trimester when hormone levels increase. These mood swings vary from mild to severe and are different in every person.
The psychological causes of mood swings during pregnancy include stress, over-exertion, and fatigue. Sometimes mood swings are signs of depression, anemia, hyperthyroidism, migraines, and gestational diabetes.
What should I do about my mood swings?
It is very important to try and maintain hormonal balance with the help of various effective and safe ways. Maintaining pregnancy hormones and mood swings can help ease your pregnancy distress. There are many natural ways of treating mood swings during pregnancy, such as:
- Eat a healthy diet containing whole foods, small and frequent meals.
- Consume enough water, fluids, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
- Avoid alcohol, simple sugars, and excess fat
- Take plenty of rest
- Get some low-impact physical activities to improve moods and relieve depression.
- Participate in prenatal yoga classes, practice meditation, and other relaxation techniques.
- Bond with your partner
- Go for a walk.
- Relax by reading good books, watch comedy movies and listen to soothing music.
What if I can’t shake my moodiness?
Pregnancy hormones and mood swings generally last for at least several weeks or months at a time. Between 14-23 percent of women may suffer from depression during their pregnancies. If your mood swings last more than two weeks and do not seem to get better, you may want to seek professional help. They will be able to provide you the help and treatment you need to get back to your normal mood.
If your pregnancy hormones and mood swings become more frequent and intense, you may have increased risk of preterm labor and postpartum depression. So your doctor may suggest psychotherapy and medications that help to treat these conditions so that you and your baby can perform well during pregnancy and afterward. The type of medication used in treatment varies based on what is causing the mood swing.
