Pregnancy & Mood Swings
Mood swings might seem like a typical part of pregnancy, but that doesn't mean you have to put up with them. These emotional upheavals generally peak between the sixth and tenth weeks of pregnancy and reappear in the third trimester. Understanding why your emotions seem out of control and learning how to rein them in can help you enjoy your pregnancy more.
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Causes
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Hormonal changes can cause your emotions to change drastically, especially during the first trimester. If you typically experience mood swings before getting your period, mood swings during pregnancy can be even more pronounced. Your feelings about having a baby also play a role in your emotional state. Even if your pregnancy was planned, you could find yourself worrying about finances, your baby's health or your parenting skills, which can make mood swings more severe. You might also feel overwhelmed or stressed about the physical changes taking place in your body. Concerns about your appearance and dealing with physical symptoms such as heartburn or fatigue can overwhelm you and create additional stress.
Diet
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Eating right can help you gain control of your emotions and minimize mood swings. Eat smaller meals and snacks six times throughout the day to prevent your blood sugar from dropping, which can have a negative impact on your mood. Protein and complex carbohydrates, such as whole-wheat pasta or brown rice, help sustain your blood sugar level. Avoid or limit caffeine and sugar since these substances can contribute to mood swings. Sugar causes your blood sugar to drop significantly after a short spike, while caffeine consumption can lead to irritability. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts and enriched eggs, could also help keep your mood stable while providing essential nutrients to help your baby's brain grow. Focusing on eating healthy foods can also help you feel good about yourself.
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Lifestyle Changes
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Exercise daily to benefit from the release of endorphins, or brain chemicals, that can give your mood a considerable boost. Consult your practitioner to find out which types of exercises are safe for you to do during your pregnancy. Give yourself time to rest and make sure you get enough sleep, since fatigue can heighten your mood swings. Learn how to manage stress by taking a meditation or pregnancy yoga class. Talk to others, especially your partner, about how you're feeling instead of keeping your emotions bottled up. Sharing your feelings will help your partner understand what you're going through so that he can give you the support you need. Take time to strengthen your relationship with your partner by going on vacation or going out once a week. A strained relationship will only get worse over time and lead to more stress.
Thyroid Problems
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A shortage of the hormone thyroxine, or hypothyroidism, could be the cause of your mood swings. Symptoms of this condition include common pregnancy signs such as depression, weight gain and swollen feet, making it easy to overlook. Hypothyroidism requires treatment to prevent complications during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism, caused by too much thyroxine, rarely occurs in pregnancy, but can also cause problems for expectant mothers. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, fatigue and sensitivity to heat, which are commonly seen in pregnant women. Let your practitioner know if you've ever been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder in the past, even if you no longer need medication for it. If you think you might have a thyroid problem, your doctor can perform a blood test to find out for sure.
Warning
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Mood swings that last more than two weeks without any sign of improvement could indicate a more serious condition. Depression, an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder could be causing your unstable moods. Seek professional help from a mental health counselor after letting your practitioner know about your mood swings. Your emotional health can have a direct impact on your baby's physical health. Stress and uncontrolled emotions increase your chances of suffering from postpartum depression or experiencing preterm labor.
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