Mood Swings During Pregnancy: What Moms-to-Be Need to Know

Pregnancy is a time of hope and joy, as you and your partner eagerly await the arrival of your little one. However, you may find that you experience a rollercoaster of emotions, feeling happy one moment and down, irritable, or anxious the next. The problem is that these emotional changes can sometimes cause you to lash out at your partner, even if you don't mean to.

If you feel that your pregnancy mood swings are putting tension on your relationship, know that you're not alone. Although these emotional changes are a normal part of pregnancy, they don’t have to negatively impact your relationship.

When do pregnancy mood swings start?

You may experience mood swings as early as 6 to 10 weeks into your pregnancy, during your first trimester. This is because, during the early stages of pregnancy, your body adapts to the pregnancy by increasing hormone production to sustain it, which can affect your emotions. They often ease during the second trimester but may return in the third trimester as your body prepares for labour and delivery.

However, mood swings during pregnancy are not necessarily going to happen. While some mums-to-be may experience dramatic mood swings, others will feel emotionally stable throughout the nine months. Your mood may also differ between pregnancies.

What causes mood swings during pregnancy?

Pregnancy mood swings happen for many reasons due to the numerous physical and emotional changes your body goes through. However, rest assured that you are not just being dramatic; there are real reasons why you experience pregnancy mood swings. These include:

• Changes in hormone levels:

  • During early pregnancy, your body increases the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones to maintain a healthy pregnancy, which is crucial for your baby's growth and health.

  • These hormonal shifts can affect your brain's chemical messengers that regulate mood (neurotransmitters), which can negatively affect your emotions and response to stress.

• Morning sickness:

  • Hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy can lead to nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite, also known as morning sickness.

  • As this condition can occur at any time of day, despite its name, it can cause constant stress and worry about when the next nausea or vomiting will occur. This can make you feel irritable and negatively affect your emotional health.

• Fatigue and sleep deprivation:

  • During your first trimester, you may experience fatigue and a lack of restful sleep due to hormonal changes, which can intensify irritability and emotional sensitivity.

  • During the third trimester, it can be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position due to your growing belly. You are also likely to experience aches and pains, as well as Braxton-Hicks contractions (slight, irregular tightening of the stomach area that varies in strength and length), which contribute to fatigue.

• Physical changes:

  • It's normal to experience changes to your body during pregnancy, such as changes in posture, weight gain, and skin conditions like acne or stretch marks.

  • These physical changes can sometimes lead to frustration about how you look, causing low self-esteem and making you feel upset.

• Anxiety and stress:

  • Throughout your pregnancy, you may worry about your baby’s health, as well as how having a baby will affect your career and your family's finances. These feelings of uncertainty and worry about what lies ahead can contribute to stress and negatively affect your emotional health.

  • In the third trimester, you may also feel anxious about the upcoming birth or about becoming a parent. This mounting anxiety can affect your mood, making you tense or irritable.

If you experience these pregnancy symptoms, remember that it's a normal occurrence, although not every woman will experience it. It's understandable if you feel worried that it might affect your relationship with your partner or closest friend. But don't be too hard on yourself, since stress can negatively affect the little one in your tummy.

Are you worried that pregnancy mood swings might create a distance between you and your partner? You're not alone, consult with a pregnancy specialist who understands your concerns. Schedule a consultation with Thomson Woman's Clinic today.

How to cope with pregnancy mood swings?

Although mood swings during pregnancy are normal, you can take steps to control them by being self-aware. Try to be present in the moment when you feel your mood changing, particularly when you feel irritable. Here are some other tips to help improve your emotional well-being during pregnancy:

For mothers

If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed during pregnancy, these strategies may help you manage your feelings better:

• Take it easy:

  • With the little one in your tummy, you may feel the urge to get through as many tasks as possible before the baby arrives, especially if you need to take maternity leave.

  • However, it's better to put yourself at the top of your to-do list. After all, caring for yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby.

• Get enough rest:

  • During pregnancy, prioritise sleep and rest whenever you can. Although this may be difficult in the first trimester, you can try to help yourself sleep by sticking to a bedtime routine, maintaining a morning schedule and napping as needed.

  • If you're in your third trimester, try to relax despite any discomfort you may be experiencing. You can also try doing some breathing exercises before bed and use pillows to prop yourself up.

• Eat well:

  • If you’ve ever felt "hangry", you'll know that not eating can lead to an emotional outburst. You can help regulate your emotions by eating nutritious meals such as lean proteins, iron-rich foods, and whole grains, which can help stabilise mood and energy levels.

• Stay active:

  • Although it's recommended that you take it easy while pregnant, safe physical activities such as walking, stretching, or prenatal yoga are actually encouraged.

  • This is because exercise is a great stress reliever and mood booster, and it can help release endorphins that reduce stress and help you stay positive.

• Talk with your loved ones:

  • If you have any concerns about pregnancy or what to expect after birth, it's a good idea to talk to your partner, a close friend, a support group, or a therapist.

  • Putting your concerns into words can help you to prepare for the challenges of pregnancy and reduce feelings of isolation, which can have a positive effect on your mood.

• Practise relaxation techniques:

  • Breathing exercises, mindfulness and gentle meditation can help you to cope with stress or anxiety and calm your mind.

For father

In addition to the tips for mothers dealing with mood swings, fathers can also play an active role in supporting expectant mothers during these challenging times, such as:

• Encourage open communication

• Help your wife to feel heard and validated

• Stay calm and don't take emotional outbursts personally

• Spend quality time with your wife and encourage her to take rest

• Offer to help with chores or errands to ease your wife’s emotional and physical burden

• Provide emotional support to your wife without judging or trying to "fix" the issue. Instead, listen to their worries and offer help and support

When should you seek professional help?

Although mood swings during pregnancy are common, intense negative emotions that interfere with your daily life could indicate something more serious, such as prenatal depression (depression during pregnancy) or anxiety disorders. You should seek help from a healthcare provider if:

• The emotional changes last longer than two weeks

• Your mood swings become more frequent or intense

• You experience frequent crying spells

• Your mood swings affect daily activities

• You have thoughts of self-harm

• You eat too little or too much

• You sleep too little or too much

• You have withdrawn from friends, family, and activities that used to interest you

• You experience persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or disconnectedness.

Many would-be mums don’t seek help because they feel embarrassed or guilty about feeling so awful when they are supposed to be happy. However, depression is a medical condition and is not something that should be taken lightly. It's as real and treatable as any other pregnancy-related health concern.

If you're struggling with these conditions, it's recommended that you seek help from a healthcare provider. This is because untreated mental health issues can affect your baby's physical well-being, increasing your risk of premature labour and depression after birth.

If pregnancy emotions become overwhelming, remember that it’s not your fault – and you don’t have to face it alone. Consult with a pregnancy specialist at Thomson Women's Clinic, who understands that maternal mental health is just as important as physical health during pregnancy.

FAQ

When do you start getting mood swings during pregnancy?

Most expectant mothers notice mood swings in the first trimester, typically between 6 and 10 weeks. This is when pregnancy hormones surge and begin to affect your emotions. Many women also experience emotional ups and downs in the third trimester, as the body prepares for labour and delivery.

Why am I so angry in early pregnancy?

What are 5 warning signs of a possible problem during pregnancy?

How do I handle my wife’s pregnancy emotions?

Is it normal to cry a lot during pregnancy?

How to calm down anger in pregnancy?

When do pregnancy hormones peak?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, schedule an appointment at Thomson Women’s Clinic.