Did you snap at your partner as he forgot to buy groceries? Do you get mad due to the high volume of the TV? Feeling irritated for no reason? Well, mood swings are common during pregnancy. We chatted with Dr Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar to know about the various signs of those sudden changes and how to cope with them during pregnancy and here’s what she had to say.
Mood swings before pregnancy are almost the same as the ones before periods. Yes, that’s right! At one point when you feel happy, the other moment you may be angry, sad, frustrated, or irritated. Pregnancy can be stressing, challenging, and overwhelming, and a sudden change in the mood is a common thing. Though, you will be bothered by your behavior. You may snap at others on petty things. But, you need to be at ease as this is part of pregnancy. Other questions like “How will the pregnancy journey be?”, “Will I be able to manage?”, “Will I get time for my baby?”, “Will my baby be healthy?” can also make you tensed.
Causes of mood swings during pregnancy
You will be shocked to know that the emotional rollercoaster ride can be due to hormonal fluctuation. During pregnancy, there is a rise in estrogen and progesterone, which can trigger mood swings and other unpleasant side effects like nausea and fatigue. Thus, you will be cranky, depressed, and tensed. There will be rapid breathing, palpitations, changes in eating and sleep habits, panicky situations, feeling fear. Mood changes can also be attributed to physical stresses, fatigue, changes in metabolism, and progesterone levels. Thus, a major shift in hormone levels can affect your level of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate mood. Mood swings are mostly experienced during the first trimester between 6 to 10 weeks and also in the third trimester as your body prepares for birth.
How to overcome mood swings during pregnancy?
1. Accept it
You will have to accept that mood swings are normal, and stay calm about them.
2. Try to stay composed
You need not get bogged down by the feelings. Just take things in your stride, get an extra hour of sleep, treat yourself to a manicure or prenatal massage, opt for a prenatal exercise class or plan a romantic dinner for two at your favorite restaurant, do activities that you like. Avoid snapping, or getting frustrated with the other family members. Talk to your partner about the joys, fears, and things that are bothering you. Doing so will help you overcome all the problems. Join a support group and discuss with other new mommies to-be.
3. Eat a well-balanced diet
You need to include all the essential nutrients in the diet. Try to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, lentils, beans, and legumes. Say no to oily, junk, processed and canned foods. Try to eat smaller meals and include protein and complex carbs, like a cheese stick and a handful of trail mix. Eating a sugary treat like chocolate may perk up your mood and later cause a sharp dip in blood sugar levels leaving you lethargic.
4. Exercise
Try to stay stress-free by doing yoga, meditation, walking, and other light exercises as recommended by the doctor. Exercising can allow you to stay stress-free and calm down. Try to follow your hobbies. Don’t go overboard and avoid being harsh on yourself.
5. Don’t miss follow-ups
Regularly screening will be helpful for you to know about your baby’s health. This will end all your worries regarding the baby.
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