Mood swings during pregnancy. How often does mood change during pregnancy? How to deal with a bad mood? Pregnant mood

The mood during early pregnancy can change like a sinusoid, from strong to weak, from joyful to depressed, from confidence to fear of the future. Both changes in the body and the conditions of your life play an important role in this.

Internal physiological changes accompanying the onset of pregnancy play a primary and key role. Reorganization of the body and the emotional state during early pregnancy are inseparable from each other:

• ... Taste sensations change. As a result, mood can also change. Some foods (even previously loved ones) can be intolerable to the taste, even to the point of disgust. On the contrary, other foods will make you crave to eat them as much as possible. Also, you may want to either eat nothing at all, or the feeling of hunger will follow all day long. In both cases, you should eat as your supervising doctor recommends - changes in mood and appetite in early pregnancy should not greatly affect the diet necessary for your health and the health of your baby.
• Reconstruction in the central nervous system. The brain (or rather its small but very important structural part - the hypothalamus) qualitatively and quantitatively controls the regulation of hormones. And hormones - mood, and quite long. It is impossible to regulate the work of the hypothalamus on your own, so you need to adapt and be prepared for the fact that mood can change very strongly: from irritability and even anger to tears of happiness. An event and detail that hasn't touched you before can trigger a very strong emotional reaction, and something that previously worried, disturbed, or delighted you may no longer affect you. By the way, this may also concern the perception of sounds, perhaps you will want to listen to certain music more often, or maybe it will be comfortable mainly in silence.
• Metamorphoses of smell. Closely associated with changes in the central nervous system. Previously loved perfumes can, at best, cause rejection and misunderstanding of how they could previously be used and admired. The same goes for food and cooking.

Smell is a powerful stimulant of memories and mood. If there are changes in the perception of smells, you should surround yourself with those smells that cause, if not admiration, but at least a neutral attitude. Get new perfume, change something in the kitchen. Can't be ignored: mood swings due to smell can be stressful.

Pathology in the mood

Emotional swings and changes in mood can not always be explained solely by physiological reasons.

• Asthenia is a severe decay, weakness and general constant drowsiness. Those tasks and responsibilities that were previously easily given seem to be impracticable. Pallor and circles under the eyes are possible. It is better to overcome this state by rest and sleep, regular meals, and a walk in the fresh air. The main thing is not to bother yourself with activities that require strong emotional or physical involvement, so as not to expend the energy that should be spent on restoring a healthy state.
• Stress during early pregnancy is normal and common, as pregnancy, albeit natural, is very stressful. And you should organize your day so that pregnancy remains the only strong stress. The severity of stress for each person is individual and does not change much over the course of life. If you feel stressed, you should either sleep or switch to a pleasant activity, such as a hobby. This will distract you, and enjoyable and desirable activities are not stressful in and of themselves.
• Depression in early pregnancy is, in fact, rare. Most often, depressive syndrome occurs after childbirth (the so-called postpartum depression).

Depression

A serious psychiatric diagnosis that can be treated with medication: often requires the simultaneous intervention of both a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

Based on which we can assume depression:

• depressed mood after waking from sleep. Often, the mood improves significantly with the onset of the evening;
• simultaneous feeling of irritability and weakness;
• the feeling that the world has lost its colors, everything can seem gray;
• unwillingness and feeling of physical impossibility to do any business. Strongly weakened will.
• regular self-deprecating thoughts ("I am a bad woman and a mother", "I do not deserve life on earth", "My whole life is terrible and meaningless");
• suicidal thoughts and plans;
• self-harm attempts.

The above symptoms are also characteristic for asthenia and for ordinary. These are sufficient reasons to consult a specialist.

Depression is a disease that must be treated. If most of the signs described above have been observed in you for more than two weeks (or the last three only made themselves felt), you should immediately contact a specialist psychotherapist. If a woman has injured herself or tried to commit suicide, immediate help from a psychiatrist is needed.

Coping with depression

We recommend that you accept your mood changes as normal. Self-acceptance is often the best medicine. A change in mood during early pregnancy is a normal and correct signal indicating that the necessary restructuring of the body is taking place.

You should often turn to what brings joy and satisfaction, which can distract from everything bad (for every woman, of course, this is individual): walking in the fresh air, reading books, watching movies, going to a theater or museum, cooking, work ( working during pregnancy is not harmful, but you cannot overwork, and if possible, if there is a choice between work and caring for yourself and your health, you need to choose the latter), hobbies and hobbies (and during this period new hobbies may appear), (which , of course, cannot and should not replace everything). In some women, sexual desire fades away in the early stages, or even for the entire period of pregnancy; and for some, on the contrary, libido only intensifies. If you are concerned about this issue, then talk to your doctor, almost always sex during pregnancy is harmless and rather useful.

Professional help

Sometimes there may be a need for the help of specialists: an observing doctor or psychologist.

You are not alone in your experiences; mood changes during early pregnancy occur to one degree or another in every woman. Accept your changes as normal and natural. Do not diagnose yourself - if you have doubts about your health or emotional state, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Observe your diet and sleep patterns. Try to be in such conditions in which the mood will change, if only for the better.

Before using any drugs, be sure to consult your doctor if there are contraindications. Do not self-medicate!

It's not a secret for anyone that the inner attitude significantly affects the quality of life. In a good mood, all problems quickly find their solution, and you don't even pay attention to many troubles. But as soon as the mood deteriorates, life immediately seems gray and bleak. And if there is such a dependence of thoughts, behavior and perception of the world on mood, then it can be used in the opposite direction, performing certain actions to control your own emotions. This does not mean at all that you need to forbid yourself to feel and worry, putting on a "stone mask": this method just becomes a direct road to various psychological and psychosomatic problems. But you can learn to “turn” negative emotions into neutral or positive ones, to reduce their “degree”. The main thing is to stop feeling sorry for yourself and start acting!

Method number 1. Mimic gymnastics helps to manage emotions

In psychology, it is believed that the human body, his thoughts and feelings are interconnected, therefore it is possible to manage emotions with the help of one's own thoughts and bodily manifestations.

The easiest way, albeit a long training session, is to smile and maintain a smile on your face for a few minutes despite your depressed mood. Mimicry of joy sends a signal of well-being to the brain, and it rearranges the work of consciousness in a positive way. Regular use of such mimic gymnastics will help the psyche spend less and less time on restructuring. Especially if you supplement these exercises with mental suggestion: "Everything will be fine!", "Everything will work out," "I am the happiest!" etc.

Regular training in mimic exercises of joy and auto-training allows you to start the process of transforming negative emotions and make mood management a habit.

Method number 2. The rule "here and now" will help to be in the present tense

Often the mood of a pregnant woman begins to change when she envisions the future or remembers past troubles. It's time to say "stop" to yourself and not inflate the elephant out of a fly.

Try to instill in yourself the idea that the past no longer matters, and the future will come later, so now it is better to think about the present moment, banishing fears and replacing them by focusing on the positive aspects of your pregnancy (for example, a recent visit to the doctor showed that weight gain is normal , or according to the results of ultrasound, the child is developing correctly).

And also return yourself to the reality of the present moment, switching from thoughts to feelings. As soon as you start to notice that the mood is spoiling, listen to yourself and your baby. Try to determine how the child turned in his stomach, where he pushed you, try to feel the little finger on the left foot, etc. Ask yourself the question: “What do I hear now?”, “What colors surround me?”, “Is the wind blowing? " Such sensations allow you to feel “here and now” and return harmony to the emotional sphere.

Method number 3. "Safe place"

Often, a bad mood during pregnancy occurs as a reaction to stress, fatigue, anxiety, and all these manifestations may not even be realized. And a bad mood in this case is a signal to take a break and just relax, calm down or get some sleep.

This will help to create a so-called "safe place" for yourself, with which serenity and positive emotions will be associated. For some, the ideal place to relax is a home bed with a subtle scent of fresh linen, while others feel good under a blanket by the window with a hot cup of tea and a favorite book. Someone is as comfortable as possible in a proven spa, and for many, the image of a safe place goes back to childhood: parental apartment, summer cottage ...

The main thing is that you feel comfortable there, and you could easily get there if necessary. Such a place will serve you as a kind of "anchor" of security, positive emotions and help to get rid of negativity.

Method number 4. Communication with pregnant women: looking for allies

If talking about pregnancy is more annoying than smiling, think about your interests. A discussion book club, a page for discussing the best culinary recipes, a forum for travelers ... Sometimes half an hour a day is enough for communication in a circle of like-minded people for life to take on colors again.

Method number 5. Plan of measures for maternity leave

Often on maternity leave, the general background of the mood is lowered for no apparent reason. This is due to boredom and monotony, especially if before pregnancy the woman led a rather active lifestyle or was busy at work. Now, when there are no urgent matters on the horizon, it becomes somehow uncomfortable.

In this case, a simple list of activities for the day will help. As soon as you feel that your mood is getting worse, arm yourself with a piece of paper and a pen, as well as posters with a schedule of events for the near future. Sometimes we do not even notice how many interesting things are happening around, we forget about what we have been planning to do for a long time and what we wanted to learn.

But it is the time spent productively that gives a feeling of satisfaction. So start planning by adding a variety of activities to your personal list. For example, morning yoga for pregnant women, a walk to a distant square to explore a place where you can walk with a stroller, visit a flower show, in the evening a scrapbooking webinar, etc.

You can make such a plan every day or schedule the desired activities and activities for the week. In any case, one glance at the impressive list of interesting events will be enough to cheer you up.

Method number 6. Color therapy for pregnant women

The information received from sensory receptors is able to shape certain emotions during pregnancy. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is important to surround yourself with pleasant pictures, sounds, smells and even fabrics! One of the simplest but most effective techniques to help regulate mood - color therapy - is based on the effects of different shades on the human psyche.

Bring bright colors to your home and workplace (of course, if these are the colors you like), change the curtains, buy a new table lamp ... Finally, make sure that there are always flowering indoor plants or beautiful bouquets in a vase in your home. Get a new scarf or handbag in an interesting color to match the spring mood. The dullness and monotony of shades provoke bouts of melancholy during pregnancy. But the red color fills with energy, positive emotions, the desire to move and create, you just need not to overdo it with its amount. Yellow cheers up, gives spiritual lightness; green - relieves nervous tension, relieves irritation and fatigue. With blue, it is also important to know when to stop, because it causes a feeling of peace, inspires, but at the same time can cause "philosophical" sadness. Very tones orange, and blue pacifies.

Method number 7. Anticipation of pleasures during pregnancy

A wonderful feeling, so familiar to us in childhood, but often disappearing in adulthood, is anticipation. It can fill any day with joy, because the expectation of pleasure is often brighter and more joyful than the pleasure itself.

Pampering in the form of an unplanned purchase, a cake or an old favorite movie, of course, cheers up, but the effect can be enhanced if you deliberately delay the receipt of these "bonuses". For example, leave a cake in the fridge and promise yourself to eat it after work, or not finish reading a fascinating book in the evening, leaving the most interesting until the next day. By signing up in advance for a photo session with a good photographer, you can mark the day of filming on a wall calendar and rejoice at his approach, imagining how the photos will turn out.

There are many options for creating such "expectation of a miracle" in oneself, it is important to find a golden mean in the time of delaying pleasure so that the process of waiting does not drag on for too long and the feeling of anticipation does not disappear.

Method number 8. "Book of Happiness" for expectant mothers

Unfortunately, we often fixate on negative moments in our life, notice minor troubles, and take something positive for granted and do not keep our attention on it. And then it turns out: "What fun if nothing good happened?"

To change this stereotype will help the "Book of Happiness", which can be made from an ordinary notebook or notebook. Its meaning is to write down 5-10 joyful events that happened to you every day. For example, the baby pushed, the husband came home from work early, his favorite biscuits were brought to the store, etc. It would seem that these are some little things, but our life consists of them. At first, it will not be easy to type in the required number of entries, but after a few days you will realize that there are many more than 5-10. And having learned to notice these positive moments, you will begin to truly rejoice at them, and then there will simply be no reason for a bad mood, because the Book of Happiness will always be at hand.

Method number 9. There is always a place for good deeds in life.

Sometimes, in order to improve your mood during pregnancy, you need to shift your focus from yourself to those around you. There are many living beings in the world in need of this or that help, and you can provide it.

Surely there are orphanages, nursing homes or animal shelters near you. There are also various charitable foundations and organizations. And among your acquaintances there may be those who really need support. Try to do a selfless good deed and bring joy to another. Visit a lonely retired neighbor, go through your books or clothes, and take some of them to the orphanage. Let goodness into your heart, and you will see that the world is changing along with your mood.

Method number 10. Bad mood arises in thoughts, but is afraid of action

Perhaps you have some ideas that you would like to implement, but do not yet have sufficient opportunities for this. It is important that these plans are truly desirable, and the thoughts of them are pleasant.

It can be a dream about your own home, about a trip to the sea after the birth of a baby, about organizing a wedding anniversary ... Realizing that you are out of sorts, take a comfortable position, close your eyes and mentally, in detail, imagine your dream. Take your time, try to think through everything in detail, to the smallest detail, until you feel a pleasant inspiration. If it is difficult to draw pictures in your imagination, and your thoughts get confused, you can use the tools at hand and make sketches. It's good if you can dream out loud with your husband. Such a conversation not only cheers up, but also brings the spouses closer together with a joint idea. The dream makes it possible to understand: no matter what kind of trouble happens, there is something good ahead, which is what we should strive for.

Bad moods arise in thoughts, but are afraid of action. So it's time to take matters into your own hands and not let your emotions ruin your day, holiday, or your entire pregnancy. After all, time flies by very quickly, and you need to use it as much as possible.

Sadness, where did you come from?

Tears, irritation, resentment over trifles - it would seem that all this can be attributed to the usual vagaries of pregnancy, but every moment of mood decline has its own rationale:

• Hormonal changes in the body. Physiological "charms" of pregnancy are a common reason for the unstable emotional background of the expectant mother. She gets tired and unwell faster.
• Psychological changes. Uncertainty in one's own strengths, anxiety for the future, a sense of impending changes ... Everything associated with an "interesting situation" can either please or frighten the expectant mother, provoking instability of mental equilibrium.
• Small and big troubles. It happens that the surrounding people also add fuel to the fire, not taking into account that a sensitive pregnant woman does not need so much to spoil her mood. What can we say about life circumstances that are really the reason for the disorder?
• Prolonged adaptation to pregnancy. It also happens that a woman feels good, and does not suffer from increased anxiety, and there are no troubles, but her mood is still at zero. The reason in this case may be long-term adaptation to your new status, nostalgia for the old, pre-pregnant times, or high expectations from the very period of pregnancy.

It would seem that there is nothing wrong with allowing yourself to be sad sometimes. But if periods of bad mood drag on or “cover” with unenviable regularity, it becomes simply necessary to raise it. Moreover, this applies to both pregnant women and others.

From a medical point of view, they are responsible for serious hormonal changes in the whole body, which begins in the first trimester. Think about it: in the first weeks, the indicators increase several times! Emotional "swing" in this state is inevitable.

From a psychological point of view, mood swings at the very beginning of the birth of a new life are due to the fact that the expectant mother is going through a serious process of self-identification, realizing herself in a new status, and is on the verge of radical changes in life. Hence the ambivalent attitude towards what is happening: on the one hand, women feel very vulnerable and weak, therefore they require global attention and even overprotection from others. And on the other hand, a sense of responsibility for the future child and a sense of their own importance are growing. It has been noticed that even very infantile girls often seem to “grow up overnight” when they find out about their situation.

II trimester

This is usually the most emotionally stable period. The hormonal storm more or less subsides, it is over, the baby begins to move, and the expectant mother can use this to determine if everything is all right. A period of relative calm ensues.

III trimester

In the third trimester, the storm may break out again. Why? There are several reasons for this, one of the most common is physiological. begins to put pressure on the internal organs, and this causes discomfort. Often women at a later date experience sleep problems, they develop edema, late toxicosis and other unpleasant symptoms. In addition, the expectant mother begins to worry about how the birth will go, and this fear also does not add to her positive attitude.

At the beginning of pregnancy, do not listen to the stories of "experienced" friends about what pathologies are in babies, how difficult it is to bear a fetus, and the like. Set yourself up for the fact that everything will be all right for you. And in the third trimester, do not read "horror stories" on the Internet about childbirth with complications. I assure you: the percentage of easy births is incomparably higher. It's just that few people write about it.

Lyubov Timchenko

What determines the change of mood?

Is it possible to predict how a woman will behave during pregnancy? Medical practitioners say it rarely succeeds. There are, perhaps, only two more or less working signs. First, if you experience mood swings before your period, be prepared for similar symptoms during pregnancy. And besides, many character traits of pregnant women are exacerbated: for example, if you are sentimental, then you will surely shed tears over each plucked flower while waiting for the baby.

Or are mood swings in pregnant women just a tactic? We have all heard many anecdotes about how ladies in an interesting position make the whole world revolve around them. Some men seriously think that this is just a gimmick in order to attract all possible attention. But modern medicine has long proven that frequent mood swings during pregnancy are caused by really objective reasons.

Most often, I encounter violent mood swings when pregnancy comes suddenly. Therefore, the most important advice to you, girls: plan your life, plan your family and learn to protect yourself. Every child should be wanted. Those of my patients, whose child did not become a "surprise", the emotional background is much more stable. In addition, explain to your loved ones, and first of all to the father of the unborn child, that all your cries and tears are not at all a manifestation of the fact that you have become worse to treat them. Tell us about the hormonal background - many do not even know about this aspect. If they don’t believe it, come to the appointment together.

Lyubov Timchenko

obstetrician-gynecologist with 35 years of experience

A storm of emotions is wonderful

Everyone knows that it is extremely harmful - this is an axiom that does not seem to be questioned. Some women even develop strong feelings of guilt if they cannot control their emotions as confidently as in their “pre-pregnant” life. But, at the same time, the symbiosis of the embryo and the mother is very harmonious, the woman and her unborn child continuously communicate, complement and influence each other. There is a theory that the mother's outbursts of emotions are also useful for the baby: thereby she prepares the future baby for the fact that there is a place in life for a variety of feelings, and not only joyful ones. The main thing is not to accumulate anger and irritation, allow yourself to express them, and move on.

Here is what one young mother wrote on her blog: “Mood swings and the baby inside are also very necessary. So he sees what life means - which is sometimes sad, but this is not the end: mom takes it and copes with it. A prerequisite for coping is to admit that it is and allow yourself to express it. Denying the negative side of our emotions, we do not protect the baby: he sees that we are not coping. What is worth showing him - mom lives, rejoices, sad and sometimes irritated. This is exactly what a baby needs to see so that he is not afraid to be born. "

How to reduce the intensity of passions?

It is important to remember one more rule: what is manifested is not dangerous. It is better to honestly cry, honestly get angry when you feel like it, than to drive the irritation and resentment into the depths. Otherwise, the depressed state can turn into chronic depression.

Still, if you realize that emotions are constantly overwhelming you, it is a good idea to slightly reduce the intensity of passions - if only because sudden mood swings exhaust your loved ones. In the arsenal of expectant mothers there are walks in the fresh air, calm music and meditation, yoga for pregnant women, weak motherwort tea (if there are no contraindications), and just pleasant communication with loved ones.

Waiting for a baby is a joyful time in the life of every woman. At first glance, it should only evoke pleasant emotions, but this, unfortunately, is not always the case. Most pregnant women are familiar with the state when tears suddenly appear in their eyes, or, conversely, at the most inopportune moment they suddenly want to laugh without any reason. During pregnancy, you may experience unusual sensitivity and vulnerability, tearfulness and increased sensitivity. Frequent mood swings, increased emotionality, irritability are symptoms with which future parents turn to psychologists for help. Let's look at the reasons for the changes in the mood of a pregnant woman.

Psychological preparation for pregnancy

First of all, you should pay attention to your psychological state before pregnancy. Let's explain why: the central nervous system acts on the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of hormones necessary for pregnancy and bearing a child. Most modern women lead a very active lifestyle before pregnancy, work a lot and for a long time, spend a lot of time at the computer, have little rest, and often do not get enough sleep. All this leads to great stress on the nervous system, which, in turn, can lead to hormonal and psychological problems.

Doctors believe that a woman who is going to become a mother, at least 3-6 months before pregnancy, needs to minimize the psychological stress on her body. It is necessary to devote more time to proper rest, be sure to get enough sleep (at least 8 hours a day). In addition to all this, it is impossible to create a stressful situation for the body (actively lose weight, abruptly start intensive sports, etc.).

Mood changes during pregnancy

Continuous mood swings during pregnancy are often associated with a variety of hormonal changes in a pregnant woman. This is most often felt in the first months of pregnancy. After all, your body needs to adapt to change. A woman may feel increased fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability. Those who are "not spared" by toxicosis are especially susceptible to these conditions. Sudden bouts of nausea, dizziness, fatigue, physical ailments do not add to a good mood. There is a feeling of one's own helplessness, irritability, anxiety, a feeling of misunderstanding on the part of others.

It is important to understand that such a state is natural. Of course, this will not make it easier, but you will understand that you are not alone - all pregnant women are subject to "emotional storms."

In the first months of pregnancy, a woman undergoes not only physiological, but also psychological changes: gradually she becomes accustomed to the role of a mother. At this moment, a woman may feel that those around her do not understand her, that they do not pay enough attention to her new state.

Svetlana says:

At the beginning of pregnancy, it seemed to me that my husband was not at all interested in my condition and did not understand how lonely I was now. I wanted to cry from resentment, then scream at the whole house. My husband did not understand what was happening to me, and I did not understand how to cope with it ...

The period of pregnancy can give a new light in family relationships, or, on the contrary, give rise to a complete misunderstanding. It is at this moment that it is more important than ever for a woman to receive support from a loved one. But you should understand that it is more difficult for a man to understand your condition at the moment. As a rule, he has no idea how the baby is developing, and about the changes taking place inside your body. Do not be upset and do not blame him for insensitivity, give time to realize yourself as a "pregnant dad". Educate him unobtrusively. Talk to him about your changes (both physical and mental). Another possible cause of the experience is related to the woman herself.

Anna says:

This was my first pregnancy. The child was very welcome. But during the first months I was not letting go of the thought: “How will my life develop in the future? What will happen to my career, which has just begun to take shape? Will I be a good mother to my baby?

Questions like these can cause feelings of irritation, insecurity, and fatigue. It takes time to realize and accept your new state. In the middle of pregnancy, emotional excitability is much less common than in the first trimester. Minor physical ailments have passed, toxicosis has receded, it's time to enjoy your new sensations. It is at this time that most pregnant women experience a creative and physical upsurge. Peace of mind, calmness, unhurriedness characterize this period of pregnancy.

At this time, your figure changes, the tummy becomes noticeable to others. Someone was looking forward to this moment, someone is worried about their increasing size. This concern is understandable, because every woman wants to be beautiful.

At the same time, fears related to the health and development of the unborn baby may arise. They are experienced in one way or another by absolutely all pregnant women. These fears, as a rule, are based on the stories of “good” girlfriends or relatives, or the sad experiences of friends. Against the background of these fears, tearfulness, irritability, and sometimes even depressive states arise.

In the last, third, trimester of pregnancy, your emotions can again be "at their best." The reason for this is rapid fatigability plus the impending birth. More often than before, there may be anxiety associated with childbirth. Increased anxiety during this period occurs in almost all pregnant women. It is important here that you are prepared for childbirth and for meeting your baby. Of course, it is very good if you attended special classes. For successful childbirth and postpartum recovery, the preliminary psychological preparation of a woman even during pregnancy is very important. She gives not only knowledge, but also confidence in the success of her new role - the role of mother. The main goal of the psychological preparation of a pregnant woman is precisely the solution of all the problems that prevent the expectant mother from enjoying the state of pregnancy. But if you haven't attended such classes, it doesn't matter. The main thing is your attitude to the meeting, the desire to see the baby, to help him to be born. As a rule, immediately before the very birth, the anxiety disappears.

During this period, many pregnant women experience a so-called “narrowing of interests”. Anything that is not related to pregnancy or to a child practically does not arouse any interest. Relatives should know this and not be surprised that conversations about a future vacation or about buying new equipment do not cause any emotions, but a conversation about the benefits or dangers of diapers, on the contrary, is infinitely long. This increases the activity aimed at preparing for childbirth and motherhood. Buying clothes for a baby, choosing a maternity hospital, choosing helpers who will come after childbirth, preparing an apartment ... That is why this period is sometimes called the "period of arranging a nest."

How to beat a bad mood during pregnancy?

• During this period, it is very important that you have the opportunity to rest during the day. It is no coincidence that maternity leave in Japan is given in the first months of pregnancy, as they are considered the most difficult for a woman. It is important to understand that mood swings are a natural part of pregnancy. Above all, don't let a bad mood become the basis of your day. And then it will definitely pass.
• Maintaining a sense of humor will always help you cope with a bad mood.
• Start learning relaxation techniques. It can be auto-training, swimming. Unless medically indicated, a relaxing back or foot massage that your spouse can give is very effective.
• Spend as much time as possible outdoors. Dosed exercise will also be helpful.
• Try to do your best to cheer up: meet people who are pleasant to you, do something that fascinates you. Look for the wonderful sides of life and enjoy them.
• Don't be afraid to vent your emotions. If tears "do not let go" you do not worry - cry to your health.
• The main thing is not to drive resentment, gloomy thoughts into the depths of your soul. For a long time in Russia, a pregnant woman was advised to cry, complain to relatives, so as not to harbor an insult. But the relatives of the pregnant woman were supposed to protect her from any troubles, they were not allowed to scold her or arrange quarrels with her.
• Try to be patient and "wait out" this time, because communication with the baby is ahead - the happiest moments in the life of every woman. Remember: a bad mood does not last forever, it will soon pass.
• Remember that your doctor is monitoring your child's development closely. If, in spite of everything, the feeling of anxiety does not let go, tell the doctor about it, let him tell you in more detail about the condition of your baby. Talk to other future and established mothers - and you will understand that your fears are in vain.
• Be sure to remind yourself that your positive attitude is important to a developing toddler. Try to worry less about trifles, maintain positive emotions in yourself. To do this, you can listen to soothing music, communicate more with nature.
• Remember, anxiety and small fears about childbirth are natural.
• Try not to focus on the fact that you are tired, that you want to give birth as soon as possible, etc.
• A great way to relieve anxiety before childbirth is to prepare for it. Repeat relaxation techniques, breathing exercises. Prepare a dowry for the toddler. In other words, do specific activities.

Fears during pregnancy

Anxiety is not so dangerous if it is not about constant bad mood, obsessive, excruciating feelings, or insomnia. For most pregnant women, anxiety is a temporary condition that they can overcome on their own or with the help of their loved ones.

If you observe in yourself a constant depressed mood, which, moreover, is accompanied by insomnia, loss or decreased appetite, physical weakness, melancholy, apathy, a feeling of hopelessness, then these are already signs of depression. Depression is not a harmless condition - it is a disease. Long-term depression definitely needs treatment. In women, the appearance of depressive conditions may be associated with hormonal changes in the body. This is what determines emotional changes, i.e. changes in mood and feelings.

In medicine, there are concepts such as "premenstrual syndrome", "postpartum depression". If the former almost does not need medical supervision, then postpartum depression almost always requires medical attention. Therefore, you need to remember that in cases where you cannot cope with anxiety or fear on your own, if bad thoughts do not leave you day or night, do not hesitate to seek qualified help. In all cases of emotional instability of one's behavior, one can and should work. A bad mood can be defeated by activity, creativity. In very confusing situations, a psychologist will come to the rescue, but first of all you need the support of your family and friends.

It is important to understand that the emotional anxiety of a woman who is expecting the birth of a child is completely natural, but excessive anxiety is harmful, because the baby is also worried about you. A violent emotional reaction does not harm the child, but experiences without reason are not beneficial either. The most common reason that gives rise to anxiety or fear in the expectant mother is a lack of knowledge about how pregnancy proceeds, what happens during childbirth. But all this is easily removable. Ask your doctor and psychologist questions, read special literature, talk with women who have already given birth. Learn to relax and calm down. Switch your attention away from any disturbing thoughts - this will allow you to get positive emotions. You need to learn not to react to troubles and enjoy life. Pregnancy is a time when you can afford not to react to small life problems. The main thing is your desire to be happy and enjoy these unique, wonderful nine months of waiting for your baby.

Having a positive attitude while waiting for your baby is very important. But it is far from always possible to maintain a good mood. The mood during pregnancy changes often and these changes are not always for the better.

Often, expectant mothers are haunted by fears, anxieties and even real depression. How can you cope with your mood and maintain a cheerful mood?

How mood changes during pregnancy

Often, pregnancy completely changes a woman's behavior, and even close people note that she has become different. And minor mood swings occur in almost everyone. Most frequent changes:

• Increased nervousness and anxiety. It is usually observed at the very beginning of pregnancy and intensifies just before childbirth.
• Absent-mindedness and forgetfulness. Usually appear in the second trimester.
• Sentimentality and. Observed throughout the entire period of gestation of the baby.
• Self-doubt and anxiety. They usually increase with the development of pregnancy and peak before childbirth.

The manifestations of mood swings are very individual. They differ for each particular woman and can take even the most bizarre forms. No need to be surprised, the reason for most of the mood changes lies in the changes in the body and the woman's attitude to it.

How do changes in the body affect mood?

To ensure the normal development of the fetus, the woman's body has to endure serious restructuring. All of them affect the mood. The most obvious ones are:

• Changes in hormonal levels. The levels of biologically active substances in the body of a pregnant woman are constantly changing. Our mood is also controlled by hormones, so it changes periodically for no apparent reason.
• Too high physical and mental stress. Carrying a baby requires a lot of effort from a woman. If she does not take this into account and continues to work as usual, this can provoke fatigue and a deterioration in mood.
• Change in metabolism. This cause can also trigger mood swings.
• Anxiety for the baby. Most often this occurs during the first pregnancy, when the expectant mother does not yet know what is normal and what is not, and worries about any changes in the body.
• Global changes in life. For many women, pregnancy leads to a dramatic change in the usual way of life, and this cannot but affect the mood.

Physiological changes in the body often provoke nausea, which is traditionally called. This condition negatively affects the woman's well-being, her performance and, of course, her mood. Most expectant mothers change their taste sensations and preferences. Some previously favorite foods begin to disgust, and instead you want to eat something unusual.

From the outside it may seem whimsical, but the woman really does not know what she wants. It depresses her and spoils her mood. After all, you have to suffer from nausea, hunger and incomprehensible desires.

The same changes occur in the sense of smell. Any smell can sharply disgust or, conversely, become a source of joy. Often, your favorite perfume becomes a source of irritation. If a woman, without thinking, used them in the morning, the mood will be ruined for the whole day. Or, on the contrary, the smell of a neighboring construction site, caught by accident, will raise your vitality.

Don't forget about dizziness as well. They pursue many women all 9 months, spoiling the mood. It also irritates the growing tummy, which interferes with normal movement and fast movement. But what happiness every push of the baby brings. The future motherhood of many women fills with joy, which from the outside seems incomprehensible and unreasonable.

All these changes are absolutely normal and most expectant mothers experience them. It's just that they can manifest themselves differently in different women.

Although most pregnancy mood swings are normal and harmless, sometimes you need to pay more attention to them. Under the guise of banal whims of the future mother, more dangerous conditions can be hidden:

• Asthenia. This is a general breakdown and weakness. The reason may be insufficient nutrition due to nausea, overwork, constant stress. If a woman complains of fatigue and the inability to perform tasks that were previously given without problems, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating, she looks pale and lethargic, this may indicate asthenia. In this case, the expectant mother will need rest, proper sleep and proper nutrition. It is advisable to take sick leave and minimize stress.
• Stress. It is often difficult for weak and impressionable girls to combine their usual life with the responsibility for the baby growing inside. This leads to constant tension and stress. This condition negatively affects the woman's performance and the well-being and development of the fetus. To overcome this condition, you can take a little rest, ask to reduce the workload or take sick leave, and also try to tune in to the positive.
• Depression is a rare but dangerous condition. More often it occurs after delivery (postpartum depression), but expectant mothers are also not immune from it. This disease, which is difficult to cope with on your own, will need the help of a psychotherapist and, possibly, a psychiatrist.

Depression in pregnancy

Often, even serious depressive disorders remain undiagnosed due to the fact that all problems are attributed to hormonal changes in the body. If the bad mood persists and causes serious discomfort, it is better to consult a specialist for advice. The most common symptoms of depression are:

• Constantly depressed mood, especially in the morning after waking up;
• Feeling annoying weakness;
• Constant thoughts about your own worthlessness;
• Feeling physically unable to do anything;
• Frequent suicidal thoughts up to self-harm attempts.

To some extent, all these symptoms can also occur with fatigue, asthenia and just a bad mood. But if they are pronounced, combined with each other and do not pass for a long time, interfering with normal life, it is better to consult a specialist. The last two signs are especially dangerous. When they appear, you must contact a psychotherapist immediately.

Coping with depression

If the depression is not severe, you can try to cope with it yourself or with the help of a psychologist, but without medication. It is known that most pharmaceutical drugs can negatively affect the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy, so it is better to choose safe methods, such as rest, walks, pleasant emotions.

If you feel that you cannot cope with your emotions, it is better to take sick leave and rest. Don't overload your already busy body.

Often the best doctor for a woman is her husband. Explain the situation to him, ask for help and support. Perhaps he will need a consultation with a psychologist. Let the specialist teach him the very basics of how to help his beloved woman and together you can overcome any difficulties.

Professional help for depression during pregnancy

In some situations, it is impossible to solve the problem of depression without the help of a professional. It is advisable to limit yourself to psychotherapy and other non-drug methods. But, if it is not possible without medication, do not be afraid and do not refuse treatment. A good specialist will be able to choose the most harmless drugs. Sedatives are most commonly recommended. They do not eliminate depression, but they help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Sometimes this is enough for a woman's condition to improve significantly.

What to do with vagaries during pregnancy?

If a woman herself understands that there are no serious reasons for mood swings and sadness, but at the same time, from time to time she wants to cry or irritability attacks, most likely these are ordinary whims. If the expectant mother is upset by her rounded figure, nausea or other signs of pregnancy, you just need to try to relax and endure. Shopping helps to distract well. Buying clothes for pregnant women or various little things for your baby will improve your mood and help you find advantages in your condition.

If fractional nutrition, aromatherapy and other traditional methods do not help to cope with nausea, you should consult a doctor, as this condition is fraught with dehydration.

In non-dangerous cases, when nausea does not threaten the condition of a woman and a child, you can try reading funny stories about toxicosis and other delights of pregnancy on the Internet. This will help to understand that almost everyone goes through such suffering, and to find something funny in them. Another way is to write yourself about your misfortunes. He will help you to look at yourself from the outside and laugh at your problems.

A good way to get rid of whims is to succumb to them for a while. Agree with your husband in advance that sometimes he will have to play along with you, agree on the time and duration of the "whimsical period" and allow yourself to relax at this time.

You can send your husband for unknown delicacies, demand a massage, switch TV channels as soon as you don't like something, etc. Just don't go overboard or drag out your rest periods to keep your spouse from feeling depressed.

How to improve your mood during pregnancy

Often, expectant mothers themselves provoke a deterioration in their mood, becoming too hung up on their pregnancy and possible problems. It is necessary to understand that carrying a baby is a natural process for a woman. In most cases, it does not pose a danger, but on the contrary, it is a source of new pleasant sensations and incredible experience.

Even if you didn’t plan pregnancy, and it came as a surprise, this is not the end of your usual life and well-organized life. This is a miracle that will give a completely new wonderful reality.

In order to maintain vigor and good mood for all 9 months, it is very important to listen to the advice of doctors, namely:

• To live an active lifestyle. It is because of the forced rejection of some entertainment and the frequent stay at home that many women have a worsening mood. But pregnancy is not a disease. The mom-to-be may well go for a walk, visit the pool, Pilates or yoga for pregnant women. You can also attend special training courses for childbirth, which necessarily include gymnastics.
• Healthy food. Deterioration of mood can be caused by insufficient or excess nutrition, uncomfortable abdomen, etc. But during pregnancy, the desire to eat something harmful, sweet, fatty, fried, etc. is often attacked. Unfortunately, such dishes often provoke nausea, heartburn and a set of extra pounds. Therefore, if you want something "forbidden" you can afford quite a bit to enjoy the taste. The basis of the diet should be healthy meals in reasonable proportions and quantities.
• Learn and develop. Often, the mood worsens due to fear of childbirth and not understanding what is happening to the body. Knowledge will help to get rid of it. Read books, watch educational films, get ready for childbirth, not only physically, but also mentally.
• Don't forget about yourself. Buy yourself beautiful clothes for expectant mothers, do hair and manicure. It helps to understand mood and self-esteem. A pregnant photo shoot is a good idea. A professional camera will help you to look at yourself from the outside and understand how beautiful you are.
• Learn relaxation techniques. Be sure to connect your spouse to this, his help will also be needed.
• Look for pleasant emotions everywhere - watch good films, read books, go to exhibitions and walk in nature.

Learning to avoid negativity is very important. This is very difficult, since unpleasant information surrounds us everywhere. Therefore, watch the news less often, do not communicate with unpleasant people and gossips, turn off the TV if the movie scares or upsets you, and interrupt unpleasant conversations even if you have to break the rules of decency. Your well-being and baby's comfort during this period is much more important.

Sometimes you need to give vent to your emotions. If you want to cry, there is nothing wrong with that, you can just cry. But don't drive your fears and dark thoughts inside.

Remember that pregnancy is another period of life, and it will also pass, leaving in return a wonderful baby and an invaluable experience. If it is difficult, do not be afraid to ask your husband for help or tell a psychologist about it. Try to find something pleasant in every day. Soon you will meet with the child, a new stage will begin in life, and in it there will be new difficulties and a lot, a lot of joy.