Becoming a mother is extremely important for every woman; It is the most wonderful thing there can be, but it also implies a transcendent change in your life.
During pregnancy, a few months are especially sensitive in the face of the change that is coming. In addition, your body undergoes a hormonal revolution that further encourages mood swings . If you find that the least bit makes you emotional, that you cry about everything or explode because of anything, it is normal. We tell you why it happens to you.
Emotions during pregnancy
It is normal for the pregnant woman to feel some emotional fragility at this stage, and hormones are largely responsible for mood swings during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels double so that the baby can develop and prepare the woman’s body for motherhood.
It also increases the production of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) -the pregnancy hormone-, of prolactin, so that the mother can feed her baby, and of oxytocin, which helps to strengthen the bond with her newborn.
These hormonal fluctuations can cause changes in brain chemicals that regulate moods.
Sudden mood swings
There are many contradictory emotions that appear and disappear, rise and fall like a roller coaster over the course of nine months.
Crying and anger are frequent for reasons that you would consider minimal at another time, low moods for reasons that normally would not affect you so much. As well as phases of euphoria, intense activity, or on the contrary, emotional low , sadness and inactivity.
Added to all this are the normal worries during pregnancy, the fear that something might happen to the baby, and the responsibilities that lie ahead: Will everything be okay? Can I hurt you? What will the delivery be like? What will my life be like after birth?
How to help manage emotions in pregnancy
What can you do to feel better and fully enjoy your pregnancy?
- You should not try to control or suppress your emotions during pregnancy. Simply, find a way to feel good and balanced when you notice that certain emotions overwhelm you. Remember that stress is not good for your baby, and neither is feeling extreme sadness. If so, ask for professional help.
- Lean on your loved ones. The support of your closest ties is essential. Trust your changing feelings to your partner, friends or family, they will know how to listen to you and they will advise you.
- Meet other pregnant women . Also attending childbirth classes or being in contact with other pregnant women could help you. By sharing your concerns with other women who are in the same situation, you will feel supported and understood.
- Move on Get moderate physical exercise during pregnancy. Walking, yoga, or swimming are ideal at this stage. It will help you stay in good condition, benefiting the development of your baby and also your mood.
- Eat well . A healthy and balanced diet also influences your mood. Eat several small meals throughout the day to avoid heavy digestion, and avoid sugary foods, alcohol, tea, coffee, and sodas.
- Find moments for yourself . Self-care during pregnancy is very important for your well-being. Take a few minutes a day to do what makes you feel good, it can be a bath, read a book, give yourself a massage, listen to music … Pamper yourself!
Photo | Janko Ferlic
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