Mood Swings During Pregnancy Across Trimesters & How Does It Feel?

Pregnancy comes with many challenges. Everyone talks about how your body changes to make room for your baby, but most people miss out on how often your mood changes during pregnancy. While mood swings can be confusing and frustrating, they are completely normal. They occur all throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy and last even after delivery. Here’s what you should know about the causes and treatments of mood swings during pregnancy.

Why Do I Have Mood Swings During Pregnancy?

Dr. Swetha M.P, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bangalore says, “As your body prepares for pregnancy, your hormone levels fluctuate big-time. During pregnancy, there is an increase in oestrogen and progesterone level in your blood. This fluctuation in progesterone hormones also affects women emotionally and makes them super sensitive. Their moods frequently change from irritable, angry, moody to sorrowful and tearful. In addition to hormone fluctuations, sleep deprivation, morning sickness, physical changes, and anxiety are other reasons responsible for mood swings.”

Is Crying A Lot Considered Normal During Pregnancy?

Are you crying over the smallest things during pregnancy and wondering if it’s normal? Yes, that’s totally normal in all trimesters. In the first trimester, you may be crying due to hormonal changes. This fluctuation in hormones continues throughout the second and third trimesters as well, causing sudden crying outbursts. Although random crying spells are common during pregnancy, they can also hint towards severe mental health conditions such as depression. Your crying may be associated with a more serious problem if accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. If your symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.

Don't Miss:Ovarian Reserve: What You should Know About Your Egg Quantity and Quality

How To Treat Mood Swings During Pregnancy?

Are you wondering whether there’s a way to manage the frequent mood swings during pregnancy? Here are some habits suggested by Dr. Swetha that you can adopt to combat your mood swings

Focus On Yourself

Your body is going through so much during pregnancy, it is essential that you take out time to understand what your body is asking for. You should take a nap when you need to, treat yourself to a good meal, do yoga, meditation, or even a self-care routine. Have some time reserved for yourself, and do not feel guilty about it. Most women feel the need to google every single symptom, read scary pregnancy books, and blogs. However, this will only confuse you even more. It will also destroy your positive mindset, which is the last thing that you need during this phase. Instead, you should consult your gynaecologist if you are worried or join a mom's support group to get some guidance and support.

Talk To Your Loved One

You are highly emotional and sensitive during pregnancy. This is the time when you should surround yourself with your loved ones and well-wishers. This will create positive energy around you. Sharing your feelings and worries with the people you love and trust will make the entire process easier. Allow others to give you support when you need it. If you openly communicate with others about your mood swings, they will be able to understand your situation better. This will prevent any conflict that can stress you during this period.

Don't Miss:How To Avoid Pregnancy After 1 Month Of First Delivery

Eat Well And Stay Healthy

Not eating well can put anyone in a bad mood, irrespective of whether they are pregnant or not. Therefore, you always feed yourself well with nutritious meals and healthy snacks to give your body much-needed energy. Moreover, exercising is a great stress reliever and can lighten up your mood at any time.

See A Mental Health Professional

If you ever feel like your mood swings are hampering your daily life and you are struggling to be productive, you should seek help from medical professionals. They can find ways to manage your mood swings and make your pregnancy a happy and memorable experience.