Are you happy one minute and crying the next minute? Mood swings during pregnancy is common. Pregnancy is an exciting time but it also comes with stress and worries which may contribute to mood swings.
 
mood swings
 

Pregnant women usually worry about stuff such as

  • will I be a good mom ?
  • will my baby be healthy ?
  • will I be able to financial support a newborn ?

 
You should note that pregnancy comes with its physical and emotional challenges. Understanding these challenges can help you better cope with them.

 

What causes mood swings during pregnancy ?

 
Some of the causes of mood swings during pregnancy include the following :

  • stress
  • fatigue
  • changes in metabolism
  • hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Changes in hormonal level  during pregnancy  can affect your level of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate mood.

 
Mood swings are common during the first trimester around 6 to 10 weeks and during the third trimester as your body prepares for delivery.

 

How to manage mood swings during pregnancy ?

 
These tips may help you manage mood swings during pregnancy.

  • get enough sleep
  • eat healthy
  • be active
  • get support from your husband
  • try meditation techniques such as pregnancy yoga
  • get a massage
  • take breaks during the day to rest

 

When should I call  my doctor ?

 
Call your doctor if mood swings last more than a couple of  weeks and does not get better. It may be a sign of depression. If you are anxious or nervous, it may be a sign of anxiety disorder. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get professional help immediately.
 
Content Sources

Mood swings during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/mood-swings-during-pregnancy/. Accessed May 4, 2015
 
Escape From Hormone Horrors — What You Can Do. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/women/features/escape-hormone-horrors-what-you-can-do. Accessed May 4 , 2015
 
Mood swings. Medicine.net. http://www.medicinenet.com/mood_swings/symptoms.htm. Accessed May 4, 2015

 

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