Why Pregnancy Can Affect Your Mood

It’s natural for pregnancy to affect your mood because of the hormonal changes that women’s bodies go through. These changes affect the level of neurotransmitters that contribute to the creation of one’s mood.

Every mother responds differently to these mood swings. For example, there are future mothers that experience very pronounced changes in their moods; they can go from a state of complete euphoria to a deep state of irritation in just a matter of minutes. Other mothers may feel very depressed or anxious.

Whatever the case, for the majority of women, mood swings start to appear between 6 and 10 weeks of gestation. Their frequency begins to decrease towards the second trimester, and then they pick back up again during the final stage of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be a very stressful period, truth be told. Even if you desire to have a baby with all your being and you are overcome with joy, it’s normal to have moments where your are overwhelmed by anxiety.

Even if your pregnancy was planned, you might be feeling insecure regarding the coming future. The pressure begins even before the baby is born: Are you reading the right books? Did you buy everything you need for the arrival of the new baby? Will you know how to stimulate your baby’s development and help to build his self-esteem?

Maybe you spend too much time worrying whether or not your baby will be healthy, or if your savings will be enough, or if you will be a good mother. You might be concerned about your relationship with your partner or your other children. Perhaps you ask yourself if you’ll be able to give all of them the attention they need.

Parallel to all of these thoughts, your body is changing and expanding to accommodate the growth and development of your little one. You might look at yourself in the mirror and feel unattractive or fat, and you might ask yourself if you’ll be able to get back to your normal weight after you have the baby.

The physical symptoms of pregnancy, like heartburn, fatigue, and the constant need to urinate, can also become quite bothersome. You might even get the feeling that you can’t control your own body. All of these factors put together are sufficient enough to cause constant ups and downs in your emotions.

Control your mood swings

First, try to remember that this emotional tornado is completely normal in your situation. Make a conscious effort to take care of yourself. This can help you calm down the turbulence during the most intense months.

Try to take things lightly and resist the temptation to get so much done before the baby is born. You might feel a sudden urge to repaint the entire house and reorganize all the closets, but none of that is really so important. There is nothing more important than caring for yourself. In doing so, you will be taking care of your baby as well. 

Strengthen the bond with your partner. Share your feelings with your spouse and reassure him of your love. This will help strengthen the relationship between the two of you. Make sure to spend enough time together as a couple. If possible, take the opportunity to go away on a mini vacation.

Strengthen your connection with your spouse in the present so that you can support one another mutually when the baby arrives. If you are alone, approach your friends and family or look for a support group for single mothers. That way, you will receive the support that is so vital for you and your baby when your baby is born.

Talking about your feelings is always a good thing

Always do something that makes you feel good

This might mean doing something special with your partner. Or perhaps you want to take some alone time for yourself: Go for a walk, get a prenatal massage, or go to the movies with a friend.

Talk about your emotions

Share your worries with friends that understand you. Talking about your fears will help you get rid of them and discover solutions.

Keep all means of communication open between you and your partner, and make sure that there is mutual understanding. Don’t just share your feelings, but listen to theirs as well.

Try to keep your stress under control

Instead of allowing your frustration to grow, look for ways to reduce it. Sleep as much as your body needs. Eat well. Exercise. Have fun.

Identify the sources of stress in your life and make as many changes as you can

If you still notice that you are anxious and stressed, try out a prenatal yoga class, meditation, or some other relaxation technique. You might also want to consider the option of consulting a psychotherapist.