When pregnancy emotions take over, here’s a trimester-by-trimester guide to surviving – and thriving – whenever they do.
Who or what is to blame?
You will go through a wide range of emotions while pregnant, many of which may be unfamiliar to you. Pregnancy emotions is not a joke. For one thing, you may be dealing with financial and other concerns. Including a full change from your previous comfy routine. Furthermore, your body and mind are undergoing significant physical changes.
You may check out our article if you want to know more facts during pregnancy: https://parenting-circle.info/2021/01/22/a-long-list-of-pregnancy-facts/
“Hormonal changes have a big impact in your moods throughout and after pregnancy,” says Lucy Puryear, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine and author of Understanding Your Moods and Emotions When You’re Expecting (Houghton Mifflin). “Emotional changes can be extreme in some women, but they can be extreme in others.”
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Here’s a guide to your new pregnancy emotions:
why and when they happen, and how to manage when things are tough to help you cope with the probable swings in your complexion.
Hormones and Pregnancy Emotions
The developing placenta begins to secrete hormones necessary for your baby’s growth once a fertilised egg implants in your uterus. Hormones are, ironically, a pregnant woman’s best friend – and her baby’s lifeline. Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, keeps the embryo firmly implanted in the uterine lining (it rises significantly in the first trimester, then declines and levels off around four months). Progesterone and estrogen (which increase over the course of nine months) aid in the maintenance of the pregnancy by causing the formation of feeding blood vessels.
“This hormonal bath, which is so good for the baby, can be difficult for you to take,” Dr. Puryear explains. Morning sickness may be caused by HCG, for example. Estrogen can cause feelings of happiness or excessive moodiness.
The Most Common Pregnancy Emotions and How to Handle Them
Blissfully content
Why are you feeling this way? Puryear notes, “Estrogen can induce a sensation of well-being.” “On the other hand, many women are just thrilled to be pregnant, especially those who have been trying for a long time.”
Who needs coping strategies anyway? Take advantage of it while it lasts!
Irritable and depressing
Why are you feeling this way? “Hormones appear to have a big role in the precipitation of emotional difficulties during pregnancy,” says Geetha Shivakumar, M.D., a clinical researcher in perinatal mood disorders at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
“Irritability, depression, or worry are common symptoms,” Shivakumar continues, “and they may be [more] pronounced in various months of pregnancy.” During the first trimester, for example, the fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone in your bloodstream can make you particularly cranky.
Coping strategies: First, tell your partner that you’re having some difficult feelings. You may avoid any potential relationship strain by making sure he realises your fickle humour has nothing to do with him. Other family members and friends are in the same boat.
Second, look after yourself: Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help to reduce negative emotions while amplifying pleasant ones. “Physical well-being is essential for emotional well-being,” Dr. Shivakumar explains. “Preliminary evidence also suggests that omega-3 fatty acid consumption may help with mood problems.”
Finally, if you have a history of depression, inform your doctor about it because it might not only reoccur during pregnancy, but also remain and worsen after you give birth.
Unbelievably Sexual
Why you’re feeling this way: The second trimester isn’t called the “honeymoon phase” for nothing. Because your tummy is still manageable and your breasts may be larger at this time of pregnancy, your partner may find you very attractive. For you, the increased blood volume caused by pregnancy means more blood flow — all over. Puryear explains, “Your nipples and genitals are more sensitive, so you may feel more sexual.” “Plus, while you’re pregnant, the uterine contractions during orgasm are more severe.”
Coping Strategies: Get your doctor’s OK first, then go for it!
Sluggish and foggy
Why are you feeling this way? hCG levels, in conjunction with progesterone, may contribute to the tiredness and morning sickness that many women feel during the first trimester.
Fatigue can contribute to the loss of acuity that many women experience, but it’s not the only reason you’re not as sharp as you once were.
Puryear explains, “Your priorities change.” “You used to be preoccupied with meetings and deadlines, but now you’re daydreaming about baby names and becoming a mother.”
Coping Strategies include: If you have a job, divide and conquer: When you’re at home, try to keep work at work and focus on your baby registry list and other “mother” responsibilities. It’s also a good idea to jot down your thoughts and to-dos; this will not only help you feel more organised, but it will also keep you from forgetting them.
Most importantly, even if you don’t feel like it, move your body. “Exercise to increase your energy and mood,” says John Hobbs, a gynaecologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “I often encourage my pregnant patients that going for a swim will help them feel much better.”
If you’re feeling particularly tired and cognitively slow, notify your doctor. He or she may order testing to rule out illnesses like anaemia (a lack of red blood cells) or hypothyroidism (a low-functioning thyroid gland).
Mood Swings During Pregnancy
Dr. Shivakumar explains, “For decades, pregnancy was regarded to be a moment of emotional well-being.”
“However, recent research suggests that pregnancy may increase the likelihood of return of depression in women who have previously experienced serious depression.”
Despite the fact that 10% or more of women experience serious depression during pregnancy, they typically feel the symptoms are due to natural hormonal changes and do not seek medical help.
Depression, on the other hand, if left untreated, can be harmful to both the mother and the baby.
As it can lead to poor eating, drinking, and smoking (which, in turn, are linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems).
If you develop any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor right away:
- Sadness or anguish that is unbearable
- Concentration problems
- Changes in eating patterns due to little or excessive sleep
- Loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities
- Suicide, death, or hopelessness as a recurring thought
- Guilt or a sense of worthlessness
- Support groups, cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, and pregnancy-safe antidepressant drugs are all alternatives for treatment.
7 Tips for Getting Through Pregnancy Emotions
Here are some basic principles to help you stay sane during pregnancy and new motherhood.
- Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a flawless pregnancy. It doesn’t imply you won’t make a good mother if you’re volatile and uneasy.
- Allow yourself to be flexible and patient, and let go of unrealistic expectations.
- Recognize that crying over sappy commercials is just part of the pregnancy process.
- Share your moods and sentiments with your friends, partner, and other family members. It will assist them in being more empathetic.
- Get rid of the phrase “I’m supposed to feel [fill in the blank] when I’m pregnant” from your english dictionary.
