Mood swings

When a woman is pregnant, everyone around shows concern and care for her physical well being, but not many would pay much attention to her emotional status. Throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, lots of mental stress and high-flying emotions are to be expected – sometimes even popping out unexpectedly. She will be going through a lot, from scares of delivery to fears of motherhood. 

Do you know what are the causes of a pregnant woman’s mood swings and how do you prevent it – or even avoid being caught in it? 

Before reading on, these are real problems and not made up as an excuse, these require professional explanations for what seems hard to understand when you are on the receiving end of these erratic outbursts. 

What Causes Mood Swings?

Starting from the most probable causes like irritability, hormonal imbalances and lack of sleep, these are just some that are barely scraping the surface. Mood swings are caused by the changes and shifts in hormone levels within your body. When a woman conceives, the amount of oestrogen and progesterone in her blood increases. These hormones help prepare the body for childcare, but it also comes with added side effects – affecting her mood. 

Oestrogen is the primary hormone that causes mood swings, as it works throughout the body and regulates brain activities. Progesterone plays on a woman’s emotional side, making a woman feel sad, sluggish and fatigued. However, there is an essential need for progesterone as it acts to loosen muscles and joints – preventing early contractions. 

The combination of oestrogen and progesterone is the perfect mix for emotional war but do not fret as these mood swings are to be expected, more so during the early and late stages of pregnancy. 

How do you Minimise Mood Swings?

Casualties of mood swings are inevitable, but there are a few ways that may be able to help treat these emotional periods, for better communication with people surrounding and helping pregnant women. 

Having that she is lugging an extra life inside her belly, it is good to address that she will constantly be “hangry”, so keeping her well-fed with nutritious meals would do her and the baby much good. Eating well would equate to healthy fueling of the body and an active mind, so she will be calm and composed, meaning lower likeability of irritability showing its ugly head. 

Exercising is also something that doctors would encourage, as it would allow her to release endorphins – which will promote positive moods. Also, doing exercises outdoors would help as fresh air has proven to be an effective stress reliever. That being said, exercises recommended are those that are of low-impact in nature, like slow jogs, morning walks and yoga. 

While human nature dictates that people prefer to move about rather than staying put, it is also crucial to prioritise sleep and naps. Keeping relaxed would do any pregnant woman much good as she is probably aware that she will have close to none once she has delivered. So give her a pillow and let her get cosy; for women in their third trimester, doctors would encourage you to sleep on your side instead of on your back – making it easier to move when needed.

Your health & happiness is our greatest priority. Stay healthy, stay comfortable, and stay happy, with Mama Net, your trusted Parenthood companion. Download the Mama Net App today!