Pregnancy can be a joyful yet stressful experience, especially for first-timers. You are looking forward to the baby, but at times, you doubt whether you could provide the best for your child. Your mood appears to be very volatile, swinging from one extreme to the other.
However, only a very small fraction of expectant mothers may experience short mood swings during pregnancy in our society. Nevertheless, there are ways for you to cope.
Why the Long Face?
According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), mood swings are mainly a result of fluctuating levels of hormones (oestrogen and progesterone). Hence, your laughter can turn into an uncontrollable cry in a nanosecond.
How Can I Control My Mood Swings?
You cannot stop mood swings but you can control them. Here are some of the ways to do this:
- Manage your stress. Ensure you get plenty of rest. Get at least 8 hours of sleep. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising more often also helps.
- Have fun! Do something that makes you feel good like watching a movie with your friends or pamper yourself at a spa.
- Don’t bottle up your feelings. Communicate with your partner. Share with him your worries or your feelings about the pregnancy. In addition, let him express his thoughts, too. Talking it out helps you de-stress.
- Strengthen your relationship with your spouse. Spend more time with your partner. If possible, go on a vacation. A strong connection with him provides you the support that you need during your pregnancy.
- Don’t overwork yourself. Take a timeout. Working too much will only add to your stress.
What if I Don’t Feel Any Better?
You have tried everything, yet your mood swings are still not improving. Take note that if your moods remain the same for more than 2-3 weeks, you may be suffering from depression, which is also known as antenatal depression. Antenatal depression is temporary and there are people who can help you through it. Hence, talk to your doctor about it.
Signs of Depression Include:
- Change in eating habits.
- Having difficulties concentrating.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Increased irritability.
If you are showing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment. It never hurts to get professional help.
Decisions,Decisions.
Mood swings during pregnancy is not common here. Mothers feeling the postpartum blues after the delivery is a more recognised condition. However, regardless of when you experience the blues, do avoid making major decisions such as quitting job, moving house, etc as the decisions may not be right with various affecting circumstances.
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