What to Expect with Pregnancy Mood Swings
Below you will see some common emotional changes that affect pregnancy as well as methods used to deal with those changes where necessary. It is important to remember that not everyone will have the same experiences. Also included are some stress relieving techniques to be used whenever necessary.
With my experience, these hormone induced moods can happen during all trimesters of pregnancy.
Excessive Crying
Crying is very common in pregnant women. Hormones are at high levels, so normal thoughts of sadness can be multiplied easily. Some women find themselves crying over commercials, shows, movies, and life events, either out of happiness or sadness.
The simplest way to avoid this is to try and avoid sad movies or those with exceedingly happy endings. However, crying is actually good for you sometimes, so I wouldn't recommend avoiding these completely.
If you are crying because of life events, where possible try to stay away from people or places that are upsetting you.
There really isn't much to be done about this unless the crying is caused by a form of depression or mood disorder. Talk to your doctors to determine if your symptoms and feelings need treatment by medication or therapy or not. If so, be sure all doctors know you are pregnant in case any medicine needs to be prescribed. Although most doctors will do this, if you need medicine, be sure you are getting medication that has the least effect on the baby as possible.
Angering Too Easily
While pregnancy can give you that glow, the hormonal increase can also cause some women to snap at a moment's notice.
Depending on the woman, actions or events that cause these outbursts can be either mild, such as forgetting she wanted 3 ice cubes rather than 2, or as complex as forgetting it's her birthday.
Even women who are usually calm can experience this emotional experience.
If these outbursts seem too extreme, always contact your doctor to be sure you do not need to seek help from a therapist or medication.
With this hormonal response, sometimes simple stress relief techniques can be very effective.
Being Extremely Happy or Excited
Joy and happiness can sometimes be greatly multiplied during pregnancy. Excitement can seem to be overly expressed at even the smallest of things.
You might experience tears (and even jumps) for joy.
This is perhaps the greatest of all emotional experiences during pregnancy. Treatment is likely not needed or recommended for this one. The only prescription you'll need here is that is of enjoying those joyous times.
Stress Relief Techniques
Simply taking a deep breath and holding it in for a few seconds before exhaling can help. Some may need to do this more than once for a full effect. However, don't do this too much, as you don't want to make yourself dizzy. If this technique is failing, simply try another.
Prenatal yoga is also an excellent way to relax.
Soaking in a warm bath can soothe the muscles as well as the nerves. Just don't make it too hot. Steam is not good for pregnant women.
Ask your partner for a relaxing massage. If your partner is not available, you might want to spring for a professional prenatal massage.
Women's health is important during pregnancy. Be sure to follow your doctor's advice.
Published by Lyn Lomasi - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Lyn's the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Contact her with community issues & ideas. She's been contributing since 2007 and previously acted as a Community Guide. Read her tips for success... View profile
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47 Comments
Post a CommentMy girlfriend broke up with me a few days before we found out she was pregnant... No reason, no good explanation nor reason.. I found it so insane because nothing had happened for her to do that to me.. Well, I bought her a pregnancy test, and sure enough, she was pregnant.. haha
She acts as if she hates me to death and the next minute, I'm the love of her life..
It's confusing.. But, I'm learning to ignore the negative stuff out of her and just love the crap out of her no matter what.
This is my first pregnancy. I have always been a bit tempermental, but this has made it ten fold. My boyfriend and I fight all the time because I will snap at something small and he will get defensive and snap back at me. At which point I won't back down and neither will he. I try to tell him it isn't personal and if he just ignored me a little bit it would be better. I haven't even seen him in 10 days because he doesn't want to fight.
LOL Khay. Thanks for sharing. Congrats on your pregnancy. :-)
Mood swings... If anything they happen at anytime during pregnancy. This is my first pregnancy, and my Husband knew before I did. Why? Because I'm usually a very Zen person (maybe too much at times, lol) and never raise my voice. But this one Monopoly game, I was just enraged and accusing him of cheating and what not, I even wouldn't let him touch me. 2 minutes later, I was back to myself, all happy and calm; he was mad at me for being mad at him for no reason. Two days later, i found out I was pregnant (that's when he let go of his grudge against me, lol). He replied "wow! I'm looking forward to the interesting months this'll bring us! I'll hide the board game..." Luckily, he's very supportive and understanding. :) Soon, i'll have a second child, in addition to my husband hihihi :)
My pregnant wife goes through this range of emotions each day. She is really sweet. Once she was crying dramatically, but when we talked about how silly it was for her to be so hysterical, we both started laughing. Then quickly, she continued crying.
Great topic.
Being this is my first pregnancy, I have mood swings..But I think its more stress related...and not pregnancy related...but honestly I really don't know... Great article...keep up the good work...
Thanks everyone! Thanks a bunch Kelly. I will look into that. :-)
Great piece, Momie. Just a heads up for you, though, that your article has been reposted here: http://www.momjunction.com/members/JournalActions.aspx?g=943&m=77951&cc=bz4 I thought that you would like to know.
Wonderful article. I wasn't too moody with my second and third, but definitely with my first.