It’s no secret pregnant women have a tendency to be emotional, especially during the early stages. Prenatal mood swings may range from mild irritation to irrational joy. Hormones can have a direct impact on neurotransmitters, altering “normal” feelings in the brain and heightening them significantly.
For many women, the most frustrating part is the tears -- while happy, sad, or for no reason at all. Excessive crying typically stops early in the second trimester, but the majority of women remain rather emotional throughout their pregnancy. In any case, uncontrollable, unwarranted crying isn’t at all uncommon for pregnant women. Until scientists find a cure for hormones, there’s no remedy for tears, but here are a few tips for keeping prenatal your mood swings under control.
Relax
Pregnancy doesn’t mean the world stops -- you still have a job, school, kids, or a million other things to take care of. Even so, finding ways to relax and destress is one of the best methods to manage your emotions. Even a few hours each week devoted strictly to yourself, or a little peace and quiet, can make a big difference. Go get a mani-pedi or a prenatal massage, or wait for the rest of your family to go to sleep and take a nice, warm bath. The more relaxed you are (and stay), the less emotional you’re likely to be -- or, at least, the easier it becomes to manage those emotions.
Be Open with Your Partner
A pregnant woman’s partner tends to take the brunt of the emotional roller coaster she presents. Instead of snapping at your partner or hiding in the bathroom to cry, have an honest conversation about what you’re feeling -- even if it’s nothing major. If you're feeling overwhelmed about the pregnancy and the idea of raising a child, it’s likely your partner is feeling the same way. Rather than pushing away, use those abundant emotions to make your relationship stronger. Letting your partner know why you’re acting irrattionally reminds you that you don't have to do it all alone, and also gives you a good way to let go of some of that tension.
Make Friends
Whether or not you have a partner, keeping close ties to your friends and other family members can be just as important. Women with children can be an especially great gift when it comes to understanding the craziness of pregnancy hormones. They can also be really great company for your relaxation activities. If you don’t have any close friends who've been or are currently pregnant, look for support groups in your area. Online forums can be a great alternative as well.
Keep Your Body Health
Part of keeping your mental and emotional state stable is keeping your body healthy. While eating nutritiously is certainly important, don’t underestimate the importance and impact of exercise. Just a 30-minute walk most days a week can be helpful. Exercise releases endorphins, which can elevate your mood. Other activities, like prenatal yoga, can be great for managing stress.
If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, talk to your doctor. Many women face prenatal mood swings and postpartum depression without even realizing it, and PPD is more likely for women who've experienced mood disorders previously. You’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help.
