Mood swings are a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. They can come at a moment’s notice, and be gone just as quick. The frequency and degree of the mood change varies from person to person.

Mood swings

First off, mood swings are common among women during pregnancy. The strength and degree of the mood changes are often dependent on several factors.Hormonal changes, stress, and fear (even subconscious fear) are factors that can affect your mood. It is nothing to worry about and is absolutely normal. So if you are experiencing subtle mood swings, or crazy mood swings left and right, don’t panic!

You and those around you need to realize that during the creation of a brand new life, changes are bound to come. Your body is going through numerous changes, both hormonal, physical, and emotional. Mood swings are a natural byproduct of these changes. Being aware of the reasons why you are experiencing mood swings is the first step in understanding how to manage them.

Why Mood Swings Happen

Mood swings happen because of hormonal shifts that may affect your natural levels of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are basically the little chemical messengers found in the brain. During pregnancy, your body is flooded with estrogen and progesterone. This influx of hormones can sometimes affect the level of your neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters regulate your mood.

Mood swings are also dependent on your thoughts and feelings. Some days you may feel a little fearful about having a child. This happens whether it is your first, or your sixth – it is all too common. Becoming a parent for the first time, or again, is still a brand new and unique experience, each and every time. It’s OK to feel nervous or afraid. These are normal feelings.

There are several factors that can affect your mood both positively and negatively aside from chemical changes and fear. Stress can very much play a role in your mood. Your changing metabolism can also be a significant factor.

How to Manage Mood Swings

When it comes to managing your mood swings, there are several things to consider. Issues related to emotions will be easier to manage than chemical shifts. You can’t really do much about chemical changes, but by following a few simple steps, you will have a much better handle on your emotions. Here are some causes of mood swings, and what you can do to manage them:

Fear –Fear is normal because it demonstrates your elevated awareness of what is to come. You are about to have a child; of course there will be a certain level of fear or uncertainty! The important thing is to have faith in yourself. Don’t worry about the things you do not know when it comes to parenting. It will mostly come to you instinctively, and don’t worry, you have plenty of time to learn!

Daily Stress –Organization is one of the easiest ways to alleviate stress. Keeping a calendar or making a schedule can help you to keep daily tasks, appointments, and events all in order. When you make your schedule, just be sure to schedule a little you time each day!

Hormonal Changes –There is not a lot you can do about hormonal changes. However, if you take a little time for yourself each day, stay organized, and keep your worrying to a minimum – your mood will be a little easier to manage despite the hormonal changes. Just try not to get too worked up over an issue by talking it out and finding a resolution.

Metabolism –When it comes to your metabolic shifts, there is only one thing that can help to counter its effects: Stay well fed! That’s right, keeping your stomach full will help you to manage your moods better, by helping to prevent low blood sugar.