Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Maternal mood swings during pregnancy are a common problem and are usually mainly due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and affect brain function. Each person reacts differently to these changes. Some pregnant women experience good and bad emotional ups and downs, while others experience more depression or anxiety.

Pregnancy hormones

One of the main causes of mood swings in pregnancy is rapid changes in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen levels increase in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Estrogen is related to the brain’s chemical serotonin. Serotonin is the “happiness” hormone, which many antidepressants try to boost. But serotonin is not directly related to happiness. Imbalances and fluctuations in this neurotransmitter can disrupt emotional regulation.

Changes in estrogen levels cause mood imbalances. In particular, anxiety and irritability are associated with estrogen changes. Progesterone also increases rapidly during pregnancy, especially in the first three months. While estrogen is usually associated with energy, progesterone is associated with relaxation.

This is exactly what progesterone does in the body during pregnancy. To prevent premature uterine contractions, it tells the muscles to relax. Progesterone affects the muscles of the uterus and the intestinal tract. Constipation can be the result when the bowel slows down. In some women, progesterone calms them “too much.” This can mean fatigue and even sadness. In general, anxiety and irritability are caused by estrogen, and fatigue and tears are caused by progesterone.

Early pregnancy mood swing

Hormones do not just cause mood swings. Pregnancy discomfort can also cause emotional distress. For example, morning sickness, which can affect any time of the day, affects 70 to 80 percent of pregnant women. Nausea and sometimes vomiting can be caused by the slightest feeling of hunger or even odor. This can be especially troubling in public.

Fatigue is another common symptom in early pregnancy that can contribute to mood swings. No one feels good when tired, and women may feel tired in the first few months of pregnancy. Finally, women who have experienced miscarriage or infertility may be concerned about losing their pregnancy. This fear may be greater in the first trimester when most pregnancy losses occur.

Second trimester mood swings

The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the “honeymoon” phase. Hormones are still changing but much less than in the first trimester. Most women feel more energized, and the morning sickness usually goes away. However, there are potential emotional stimuli.

Some women feel excited about the changes in their bodies, but others may feel anxious. This is especially true for women with a history of body image combat.

Prenatal tests in the second trimester can also cause emotional distress. Amniocentesis is usually performed as early as the second trimester is recommended. Deciding whether or not to have prenatal tests, and being anxious about the results, can cause emotional distress. However, not all “mood swings” in pregnancy are negative. Some women experience increased libido in the second trimester. This may be because they feel better physically or have increased blood flow to the pelvis.

Third trimester mood swings

In the third trimester, being comfortable at night can be problematic. Fatigue and difficulty sleeping can lead to mood swings. There are fears and worries about giving birth in the last trimester, along with worries about becoming a mother.

Perinatal mood disorders

Rapid hormonal changes can cause mood disorders and anxiety, but these disorders are more likely to occur in people with a history of mood disorders, a genetic or family history of these disorders, or a history of substance abuse. In addition to environmental stress, parents and biological factors, lack of social support, and cultural expectations about motherhood and fatherhood can also worsen symptoms if left untreated.

About one-third of perinatal mood disorders begin during pregnancy, but these disorders usually present as anxiety instead of depression. Early postpartum mood swings begin with a lack of serotonin accompanied by a decrease in tryptophan. Hormones, including cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone, all play a role in producing neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, closely linked to mood swings.

Types of perinatal mood disorders

Types of disorders include:

• Depression: Symptoms of depression during pregnancy or after the baby is born may include feeling dark, gloomy, or depressed. Feeling numb or not experiencing pleasure in entertainment; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or intentions; Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt; sleep disorders; Chronic fatigue, inability to get enough rest; And changes in appetite are its symptoms.
• Anxiety/panic: Symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder during or after pregnancy include restlessness, excessive alertness, weight loss, stomach or intestinal pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and palpitations. Anxiety, periods of extreme panic, chest pain, suffocation, dizziness, hot flashes, tremors, rapid heartbeat, severe restlessness, catastrophic thinking, fear of losing control, or dying or going insane. About 6% of pregnant women and about 10% of postpartum women suffer from anxiety disorders associated with depression.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): 9% of new mothers get the disease. Perinatal OCD involves disturbing, obsessive, and often frightening thoughts that cannot be controlled. This leads to feelings of guilt and extreme shame on the mother’s part. Between 3 and 5 percent of women develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after the birth of their child. Some woman gets this disorder during pregnancy.
• Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder (BD), formerly known as manic depressive disorder, is one of the most challenging mental health conditions to treat. People with BD have significant mood swings, including mania (high) and depression (low). People with BD may be hesitant to experience major life changes, including pregnancy.

Pregnancy involves hormonal changes that can affect mood. Symptoms of BD can become more pronounced during pregnancy. This is also true of other types of mental health problems. Women may find that pregnancy can change their mood. The risk is greater if BD is left untreated during pregnancy.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): About 18% of women experience traumatic births, and 5 to 9% of these women develop PTSD due to the trauma. In addition, the loss of pregnancy may lead to a woman developing PTSD. After she develops PTSD, a woman may find that she is not cared for or respected.

Coping with pregnancy mood swings

Mood swings are an inevitable part of pregnancy. At first, it is important not to judge yourself by how you feel. Pregnancy can be a very emotional time for a variety of reasons. In this period, these fluctuations can be faced by using solutions.

Talk it through

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety or stress is to talk. Try to talk about your feelings with your partner, friends, and family. Joining a pregnancy yoga class or a prenatal class will help you realize that you are not the only one who feels this way.

Find moments of calm

Many people find it helpful to use mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help improve their mood and feel relaxed during pregnancy. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your moods and emotions and train yourself to recognize the symptoms of stress or anxiety as soon as possible.

Make time for self-care

Do something to help you take your mind off the pregnancy for a while and feel relaxed. Watch a good-feeling movie, talk to your friends over lunch, or listen to your favorite podcast.

Do some gentle exercise

Exercise is a mood enhancer. Swimming, walking in the fresh air, and a few simple yoga exercises can help reduce feelings of anxiety.

Prepare for waves of morning sickness

Emotionally, one of the worst parts of pregnancy is morning sickness, which can occur without warning. This can cause anxiety. Take snacks with you for sudden hunger. Carry plastic bags such as sandwich bags for when you are out and about. If unpleasant or strong odors cause morning sickness, try to bring something with a good smell to pick up and block unwanted odors quickly.

Get enough sleep

Feeling tired and lethargic is normal in pregnancy. You can be healthier by having a comfortable sleep as much as your body needs. Whenever you feel tired, take a break. If you decide not to leave work until the end of your pregnancy, take an hour off to get more rest.

When to see a doctor

If mood swings occurred early in pregnancy and during pregnancy and lasted for more than two weeks and there was no improvement in condition; Sometimes the symptoms get worse and worse over time, so it is best to seek help from a psychologist. Anxiety and depression are very common during pregnancy, and a counselor may be able to help; Especially if there are the following symptoms:

• Recurrent anxiety and increased irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Change in eating habits
• Inability to concentrate on anything for very long
• Short-term memory loss

The bottom line

During pregnancy, it is perfectly normal to have unpredictable moods. You may laugh for a moment and cry for a moment for no apparent reason. Feel lonely and easily upset with your spouse. Changes in hormone levels are one of the main causes of mood swings in pregnant women.

Depression or anxiety during pregnancy can increase the risk of postpartum depression or anxiety. Both depression and anxiety can have adverse effects on the health of the newborn and the mother. For this reason, use strategies to reduce depression and anxiety, and see your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

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