Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel like almost everything makes you angry? Do you find yourself snapping at those around you, even though it's not like you? If the answer is yes, then it's possible that your mood swings are related to pregnancy.
Yes, it’s true – pregnant women are often more prone to mood swings than ever before! Others may mistakenly think that pregnant women are easily angered or upset, but the truth is these changes in mood are due to all sorts of hormonal fluctuations, as well as physical and emotional changes that can come with pregnancy.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why pregnant women may seem “always angry” and explore what you can do to help reduce those occasional outbursts. We'll also discuss some ways of managing mood swings while pregnant in this post.
What Are Mood Swings During Pregnancy?
If you've ever known someone who was pregnant, it's not uncommon to hear that they were “always angry” or suddenly snapped at those around her. Unbeknownst to many, it might be due to the frequent and unexplained mood swings that can be experienced during pregnancy.
So what are mood swings during pregnancy? They're common and completely normal changes in the emotional state of a pregnant woman. This shift of emotions can occur suddenly and without any warning, varying anywhere from feeling happy and content to feeling overwhelmed with anger. Many different factors can influence a pregnant woman's emotions, such as fluctuating hormones, stress, tiredness and worry about the baby's health.
Mood swings can also be an indicator of larger mental health issues for pregnant women. Such issues are more likely to surface when coupled with other challenges like adjusting to being a mother, managing financial stresses or relationship challenges. It is important for expecting mothers to have access to proper support channels and seek professional help if necessary.
What Causes Mood Swings During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women sometimes come across as "always angry," but what's really happening is much more complex. It all comes down to "mood swings," which are changes in a person's emotional state that can range from euphoria to depression.
It often has to do with the influx of hormones during pregnancy, which can trigger shifts in your emotional and mental state. These hormones, combined with the many physical and psychological changes that come with producing a baby, can lead to sudden shifts in mood.
What's more, pre-existing mental health issues can be exacerbated during pregnancy, leading to those infamous outbursts or bouts of sorrow. Some other factors that can contribute include fatigue, morning sickness, relationship issues and stress. Fortunately, there are various ways to help manage these turbulent emotions during pregnancy.
Understanding Hormones and Pregnancy Mood Swings
It's worth understanding why pregnant women can experience such pronounced mood swings. It turns out that hormones are the main culprit. Hormones play an important role in preparing a woman's body for fetal development and childbirth, and they can also affect the emotional state of a pregnant woman.
Specifically, during pregnancy, there will be changes to levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These dramatic shifts in hormones can have an impact on a woman’s mental health and cause mood swings, often leading to irritability and outbursts of anger.
Women who experience severe mood swings during their pregnancy should talk to their doctor. Their doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or alternative treatments like therapy or medication to help the mother manage her emotions more effectively.
At the same time, family members should also be mindful during this period, understanding that while their pregnant loved one might not always be easy to deal with, she is just trying to adjust to all these intense physical and emotional changes.
Ways to Cope With Pregnancy Mood Swings
Mood swings are a very real and common experience for pregnant women. It's important to acknowledge that you're allowed to be frustrated and acknowledge your feelings while trying to take care of yourself.
Here are some tips on how to cope with pregnancy mood swings:
- Take a break. When you start feeling overwhelmed or angry, it's okay to take a step back and breathe for a moment. You can step outside for some fresh air or attend yoga classes, even meditate on your own, to help promote relaxation and self-care.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep. When anxiety and fatigue take a hold of you, it can be difficult to stay focused and be in a good mood. Taking care of your physical wellbeing, such as getting enough sleep and rest, can help balance out any negative emotions you may be feeling. If you have trouble sleeping because of pelvic and back pain, a maternity pillow may be able to help you get the rest you need.
- Reach out. Don't be afraid to reach out and talk to someone about what you're feeling, whether that's your partner or another family member. Having an open conversation about how you're feeling can help put things into perspective and make you feel better.
- Connect with other expectant mothers. Finding other pregnant women who have similar experiences as yours can help provide comfort and support during the roller coaster ride of pregnancy mood swings. Sometimes it helps just knowing that someone understands what you're going through.
When Should You Seek Outside Help for Pregnancy Mood Swings?
You might be wondering when you should seek outside help for pregnancy mood swings. Pregnancy mood swings aren't always easy to handle, which is why it's important to take extra care of yourself and your family while pregnant.
Your doctor may be the first person you turn to if you are beginning to experience emotional and physical changes during pregnancy that are not normal for you. These changes could be signs of a more serious condition known as prenatal depression.
Signs of Prenatal Depression
Signs of prenatal depression can include increased anxiety, sadness, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating or sleeping. Additionally, if you find that your mood swings are making it difficult to connect with family or friends, or if you feel like your emotions are significantly inhibiting your daily life, then it's a good idea to seek medical attention immediately.
How to Support a Loved One With Pregnancy Mood Swings
Pregnancy mood swings are a real thing, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. If you have a loved one who is going through them, here are some ways you can support them:
Listen with Understanding
Pregnant women may need to talk about their feelings. Listen to them even if they're talking about the same thing over and over again. It's important to remember that it isn't easy for everyone to open up and put their emotions into words.
Offer Comforting Gestures
Small gestures like bringing food, running errands for them, or just sitting together in silence can mean so much. Spend time with them and show your support without judging or offering advice unless asked for it.
Suggest Professional Help
If she's having severe mood swings, suggest she reaches out to a health care professional such as her doctor or therapist. Pregnancy is such an emotional journey, and having someone to talk with can be invaluable during this time.
Don't forget that pregnant women need love and patience during their pregnancy journey—mood swings or not!
Conclusion
Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with the highs and lows often teetering between feeling positive and feeling very moody. Whether you're expecting or you know somebody who is, it's important to be understanding when it comes to someone's pregnancy mood swings – recognizing them, being level-headed and not taking it personally can make a world of difference.
If you’re finding it hard to handle your pregnancy mood swings, it’s best to speak to your medical practitioners. They are the best people to provide the right advice, support and treatments.
Keep in mind that it's okay to feel out of sorts at times during pregnancy and it's nothing to feel ashamed of. You’re not alone and it's important to look after your wellbeing throughout!