Have You Been Extra Moody Lately?
Although each pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman it is very common to have mood swings. They can be caused by stress, fatigue, changes in your metabolism, hormones, or the feelings you may have about becoming a parent. Everyone responds differently to these changes. Some moms-to-be's experience heightened emotions, both good and bad, and others feel more depressed or anxious. Most find that moodiness is experienced between 6 to 10 weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as their body prepares for birth.
The flood of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones in your body is partly responsible for the magnification ofemotions a pregnant woman experiences. Increased levels intensify the feelings a pregnant woman has. Significant changes in your hormone levels can affect your level of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood. Imbalanced hormonal levels are the most common cause for mood swings during pregnancy.
Hormones aside, pregnancy is bound to trigger intense emotions. Remember you are experiencing a major life change. Even if you are overjoyed to have a child, there may be moments when you begin to wonder what you've gotten yourself into. You may be worried about whether you'll be a good mom, whether the baby will be healthy, and how the cost of adding a child to your household will affect your finances. You may be worried about putting on too much weight as your body expands to accommodate pregnancy, while at the same time feeling that you can't exercise as much as you might want to or used to.
How can I manage my mood swings? It is important that you try to understand you are not alone; being emotional is just another aspect of the pregnancy experience. Here are some ways to minimize mood swings: Get plenty of sleep and even take a nap when you need to.Take a break during the day to relax.Eat healthy.Exercise or go for a walk. Bond with your partner.See a movie with a friend.Try pregnancy yoga class or meditation.Pamper yourself by getting a massage, pedicure or facial. Talk about how you feel.
When to talk to a professional? If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, anger or feelings of sadness or nervousness, or if these feelings persist for more than two weeks and do not seem to be getting better, it is important you talk to your health care provider to see if you may be suffering from depression.
The flood of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones in your body is partly responsible for the magnification ofemotions a pregnant woman experiences. Increased levels intensify the feelings a pregnant woman has. Significant changes in your hormone levels can affect your level of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood. Imbalanced hormonal levels are the most common cause for mood swings during pregnancy.
Hormones aside, pregnancy is bound to trigger intense emotions. Remember you are experiencing a major life change. Even if you are overjoyed to have a child, there may be moments when you begin to wonder what you've gotten yourself into. You may be worried about whether you'll be a good mom, whether the baby will be healthy, and how the cost of adding a child to your household will affect your finances. You may be worried about putting on too much weight as your body expands to accommodate pregnancy, while at the same time feeling that you can't exercise as much as you might want to or used to.
How can I manage my mood swings? It is important that you try to understand you are not alone; being emotional is just another aspect of the pregnancy experience. Here are some ways to minimize mood swings: Get plenty of sleep and even take a nap when you need to.Take a break during the day to relax.Eat healthy.Exercise or go for a walk. Bond with your partner.See a movie with a friend.Try pregnancy yoga class or meditation.Pamper yourself by getting a massage, pedicure or facial. Talk about how you feel.
When to talk to a professional? If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, anger or feelings of sadness or nervousness, or if these feelings persist for more than two weeks and do not seem to be getting better, it is important you talk to your health care provider to see if you may be suffering from depression.
