Pregnancy Mood Swings

What are pregnancy mood swings?

Many changes happen in your life, as well as your body, while you are pregnant. These biological changes include morning sickness, constipation, food cravings, itching, backache, vaginal thrush, headache, leg cramps, swelling, etc. Some of these changes are very difficult to manage and may make you uncomfortable, leading to mood swings. Every pregnant lady commonly faces pregnancy mood swings. Sometimes, these mood swings can lead to anxiety and sometimes depression.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

While you are pregnant, you may face mood swings, such as:

• Sudden excitement about being pregnant.
• Stress.
• Feeling overwhelmed.
• Worries about childbirth and being a parent.
• Being sad for no apparent reason.

Sometimes, these symptoms become very severe and appropriate management is needed.

What are the main causes?

The following factors may lead to pregnancy mood swings:

• Hormonal changes
• Metabolic changes
• Tiredness
• Physical stress

Existing depression and anxiety can also be one of the causes of sudden mood changes in pregnant ladies.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Pregnancy mood swings are normal and do not need any diagnosis. But you should contact your physician or gynaecologist in case the mood swings start affecting everyday life or if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances.
• Short-term memory loss.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling too irritated.
• Changes in eating habits.
• Difficulty in concentrating on any task for a long time.

These signs may also indicate the presence of pregnancy-related depression. The general physician will provide you with specific medications for the treatment, or he/she may even refer you to some psychologist for counselling. The other management techniques include:

• Pregnancy yoga or meditation.
• Regular physical activity.
• Thinking positive and staying in a positive environment.
• Going for a walk.
• Watching a movie with friends and family.
• Taking a break and relaxing.
• Dinner with your partner.
• Massage.

1. American Pregnancy Association. [Internet]; Mood Swings During Pregnancy.
2. Office on Women's Health [Internet] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Pregnancy and body image.
3. Department of Health Emotional health for parents during pregnancy and after the birth. Government of Western Australia [Internet]
4. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Pregnancy and your mental health
5. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Pregnancy stages and changes