Pregnancy Mood Swings! Things You Should Know

As beautiful as motherhood is, it has so much to endure for an upcoming mother. And mood swings during pregnancy are one of those! These are one of the earliest mood swings symptoms of pregnancy, often visible around the fourth week.

During every trimester, a mother feels an ocean of emotions, and the intensity is unforeseeable. Bodily changes like swollen, tender breasts, and a baby bump exhaust her physically. She might cry over a light movie; sometimes, things are not a big deal. And all of it is entirely normal. That's how the pregnancy mood swings are!

The First Trimester:

The bodily changes make it uncomfortable for upcoming moms to deal with their bodies. The first trimester comes with a rush of hormones. Estrogens and progesterone are on board in the bloodstream during the first 12-14 weeks. Usually, there's anger and fear felt during this time. Some moms even believe it to be the most challenging time during pregnancy regarding mood swings during pregnancy.

It's the crucial initial time that ensures the healthy development of both the mom and the baby. The possibility of miscarriage worries the mom and causes fear and anxiety. It also might make the moms angry that they must accept all the bodily changes without any control over them.

The Second Trimester:

It's the utmost time of the pregnancy. But compared to the first three months, a mother becomes familiar with the hormonal changes that her body goes through. They start approaching it differently and more acceptably. In this stage, worries like appropriate baby bump size and good parenting take over their thoughts.

You are excited to feel the baby's movements but worried about being a good mom. A constant struggle for ideas is present that doesn't leave the mind and sometimes upsets the mother's mood. Pregnancy mood swings during this trimester are milder but still present, making it important to find ways to manage them.

The Third Trimester:

Panic about the delivery starts arising with the arrival of the third trimester. The concern begins focusing on whether the baby will enter the world through normal delivery or a c-section. "How painful is it gonna be?" "Should I go for a c-section?" "I don't think that I can take the pain." These thoughts can flood your mind and contribute to mood swings during pregnancy. 

You start feeling the movements of the baby significantly during this stage. The grannies would tell you that you must constantly feel the baby's movements to keep track of the baby's well-being. In this case, mothers with the anterior placenta are occupied with additional worries since it's difficult to feel and monitor the baby's movements. Post-birth life, how to handle everything, and the healing process also occupy a lot of space in your thinking process.

When Do Mood Swings Start in Pregnancy?

Many moms-to-be wonder, "When do mood swings start in pregnancy?" They usually begin as early as the first trimester, around the fourth to sixth week, as hormones surge to support the growing baby. These swings can persist, though their intensity might vary throughout the pregnancy. The key is understanding that these emotions are normal and often tied to the body’s changes.

How to Control Mood Swings During Pregnancy:

Managing these emotional ups and downs is crucial for your well-being. Here are some tips to help:

1. Communicate:

   Share your feelings with your partner, friends, or family. Letting it out often lightens the load.

2. Stay Active:

   Gentle exercises, like yoga or walking, can work wonders for your mood.

3. Eat Well:

   A balanced diet keeps your energy stable and emotions in check.

4. Rest Enough:

   Fatigue can intensify pregnancy mood swings. Make sure to get adequate rest.

5. Mindfulness Practices:

   Activities like meditation or deep breathing can calm the mind and help you regain control.

6. Seek Support:

   If feelings become overwhelming, consider talking to a counsellor or joining a pregnancy support group.

Supporting an Expectant Mom:

Expecting a baby is a precious journey. Becoming a mother alters your life completely. We cannot conclude the feelings and moods in words, but whatever the expecting mother feels, ensuring her support, love, and care makes it easier for her. Partners and family members should remain patient and empathetic, understanding that pregnancy mood swings are temporary and manageable with the right approach.

Final Thoughts

In the end, it's important to remind yourself that these feelings are part of the journey. Embrace the highs and lows with the knowledge that you are growing a beautiful life within you. Each step, each emotion, and each tear or smile is a testament to your strength and love as a mother.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it normal to cry a lot during pregnancy?

Yes, it is normal to cry frequently during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and emotional stress. It’s all part of the process.

Q2. How to handle pregnancy anger?

To manage anger during pregnancy, try mindfulness, gentle exercise, and talking with loved ones about your feelings.

Q3. How can I control my hormones during pregnancy?

While you can’t control the hormones themselves, eating well, staying active, and resting adequately can help balance their effects.