Pregnancy can cause some very intense emotions, both positive and negative. You may find yourself feeling elated one moment and then feeling depressed the next. You may also find yourself crying for no apparent reason. These are all perfectly normal changes that your body is going through.
Can hormones be blamed?
You’re not going loony, you’re just hormonal.
Of course you can blame pregnancy hormones for your mood swings! These swings are usually more pronounced in the first trimester when hormonal levels are highest. If you’re the type of person who normally experiences very noticeable emotional ups and downs before your period, then you can expect to experience even more extreme swings during pregnancy.
It’s also common to feel ambivalent about the pregnancy once it’s confirmed, even when the pregnancy was planned. This can magnify the mood swings. And if you’ve been trying to conceive for a long time without success, you may feel a sense of loss when you finally do become pregnant.
How to deal with mood swings
Try to get some rest, even if it’s just a 20-minute power nap or a short walk around the block. Eating healthy foods and staying hydrated can also help. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, friends, or family. And last but not least, give yourself a break!
There are some things you can do to help ease your mood swings:
- You might not realise it, but your blood sugar has a big impact on your mood. When your blood sugar dips too low, it can lead to a “crash” in your mood. That’s why it’s important to eat regularly throughout the day, instead of just three meals. Complex carbs and protein help to stabilise your blood sugar, so you can avoid those mood swings.
- Moms, it’s important to keep your sugar and caffeine intake low.
- It’s important to eat well during pregnancy to help improve your mood and overall health. Try to eat a variety of healthy foods, including omega-3 rich foods like fish, nuts, and eggs. These nutrients are essential for your baby’s brain development.
- If you’re feeling down, get up and move! Exercise releases endorphins, which will help improve your mood. Talk to your doctor first, but try to work some movement into your daily routine. Walking is a great way to start.
- Try getting some sun. Research has shown that sunlight can improve your mood. So when the sun is out, go ahead and soak up some rays (just don’t forget to put on sunscreen first).
- If you’re feeling worried, anxious, or unsettled during your pregnancy, it’s important to talk to someone about it. This can be your partner, friends, or other expectant mothers. It can help you feel better to know that you’re not alone and that other people are experiencing the same thing.
- Remember to try and get enough sleep.
- Stress can definitely affect your mood, so it’s important to find ways to cope with it. Take some time for yourself every day to do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or listening to music.
- Give yourself a break!
If your partner is finding your mood swings tough to deal with, it might help if you explain why you’re acting the way you are (pregnancy hormones are playing havoc with your emotions) and tell them how they can help you feel better. Let them know what you need and what you don’t need right now. Be specific about what makes you feel better and what makes you feel worse. And remember, even the most loving partner can’t read your mind.
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