Emotional changes can be caused by any number of things. Especially during pregnancy, a woman’s emotions can change, sometimes rapidly. One moment, the mom-to-be might be weeping uncontrollably, and the next minute she might be laughing hysterically. Emotional changes during pregnancy occur for many women. These mood swings are caused, in part, by the rapidly fluctuating levels of hormones that are present in a pregnant woman’s body during pregnancy.

Many women find that their emotions change the most during their first trimester. In addition to the hormonal changes, it is at this time that the woman is coming to terms with her pregnancy, and often making her first mental, physical, and emotional preparations for parenthood. Specifically, the time between 6 weeks of pregnancy and 10 weeks of pregnancy can be the time for some women when their emotions will fluctuate the most. Then again during the final weeks of pregnancy, as the body prepares for birth, many women will experience a second onset of emotional changes. For some women, these periods are less defined. Some women may experience emotional changes throughout pregnancy, and some may not experience them at all.

There are some important things that you can do to reduce the number and intensity of emotional changes during pregnancy. Making sure that you are getting enough sleep will help your mood at any time, not just during pregnancy. Getting regular exercise or other physical activity will help, as well, because this causes your brain to release important chemicals that help to increase your emotional stability. Nutrition plays an important role in your mood, as well. Eating a balanced diet, and avoiding sugary foods and caffeine will help to keep you on more of an even keel.

If your emotional changes are long-lasting or particularly intense, you should discuss this with your health care provider. He may be able to help diagnose whether there is another problem, such as depression, that is causing or contributing to your emotional changes, and refer you to a therapist or counselor who can help. You should also watch for other signs of depression, such as sleep disturbances, memory loss, a change in eating habits, and irritability. While many of these things can be a natural part of pregnancy as well, it is important to keep on top of any risk that you have of depression.

Most women will find that they are able to emotionally snap back a few weeks after their baby is born. Here again, if you find yourself on an emotional downward spiral after pregnancy, you may be at risk for postpartum depression, and should again speak with your health care provider.

Posted in Pregnancy

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