What Happens to Mood During Pregnancy? Mood Swings During Pregnancy Why Pregnant Women Poor Mood

Throughout pregnancy, hormonal changes affect a woman's mood. This can be especially pronounced in the first trimester - the process of adaptation of the body to a new state is far from always easy and comfortable. To hormonal surges are added the delights of toxicosis, which do not contribute to a rainbow mood. The proverbial whims - the desire for unusual food, increased requirements for loved ones and especially for the future father - are also explained by fluctuations in the level of hormones in the blood.

Absent-mindedness and a decrease in the ability to concentrate, characteristic of many, are explained by the peculiarities of the nervous system. In the woman's brain during this period, a constantly acting focus of excitement, called the dominant of pregnancy, arises. All interests, not related to pregnancy, fade into the background, and it becomes difficult to focus on them.

Psychological reasons for character changes

The character can change beyond recognition - rational and restrained ladies can become sentimental and nervous, and docile and non-contentious women suddenly begin to criticize everything and everyone. Such changes may be based on a psychological nature.

Expectation of a child forces a woman to reconsider her own values, to take a more responsible attitude towards her own health. The upcoming changes, affecting all areas of her life, cause fear of the future, uncertainty in her own abilities.

A common cause of mood changes is a mismatch between reality and expectations. The popular belief that pregnancy is the happiest time in a woman's life is facing a harsh reality. Health problems, financial instability, lack of support and understanding from loved ones, or, conversely, excessive care, cause constant nervous tension, which is very difficult for the expectant mother to cope with.

Natural changes in a pregnant woman's appearance can make her doubt her own attractiveness. The expectant mother feels more vulnerable, the slightest inattention on the part of her partner is regarded by her as a sign of extinction - because of this, the pregnant woman may become more demanding of the future father, needing more frequent demonstrations of love and affection than before.

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.

Instructions

Most often, a woman's mood changes dramatically in the first trimester. This is due to medical reasons. The fact is that there is a serious restructuring of the body at the hormonal level, and hormones are entirely responsible for the mood of the expectant mother. To be convinced of this, it is enough to remember how adolescents behave during the period of infancy, when hormones also begin to rage with terrible force.

Basically, the changes occur due to the fact that the level of the hormone progesterone rises several times, which makes it extremely difficult to keep yourself under control.

There are psychological reasons, after all, pregnancy is stress for a woman, she begins to realize her new status, on the one hand, this makes her happy, and on the other, it causes certain fears. She feels happy, and unhappy, and weak, and strong, hence all this emotional "swing" arises.

The second trimester is perhaps the most calm, it is during this period that the woman is as balanced as possible, this is also due to the fact that the toxicosis has receded, the hormones have fallen into place. The pregnant woman has already got used to her condition, and is beginning to enjoy it to the fullest.

In the third trimester, severe anxiety often reappears. Its appearance is also absolutely logical. The abdomen began to grow very quickly and it becomes extremely uncomfortable with it, the date of birth is approaching, such troubles as edema may arise. All this cannot but affect the emotional state of a woman in a position, so she may be overly irritable.

It is impossible to guess in advance how this or that woman will behave, sometimes, a new position radically changes the ladies. The most calm and balanced, it would seem, a woman with the onset of pregnancy can literally become a hurricane, and vice versa.

Experts believe that if a woman experiences strong emotional swings during PMS, then most likely she will expect the same during pregnancy.

It was also noticed that during pregnancy, a woman's character traits are significantly aggravated, that is, if she was sentimental in ordinary life, then after becoming pregnant, it will be even easier to bring her to tears.

The manifestation of your emotions is not dangerous either for a woman or for her child, on the contrary, it is not recommended to accumulate negativity in yourself, it is better to get rid of it, for example, by means of crying. But it is not recommended to bring the situation to the limit in any case, you need to learn how to reduce the intensity of passions. You can go for a walk alone and just be alone with your thoughts and emotions, as a rule, this helps to restore emotional balance. You can do what you love, which also has a beneficial effect on the condition of a woman.

Are you pregnant and have noticed that you have become too moody lately? These are usually due to hormonal changes in your body that affect the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that transmit nerve impulses in the brain). Usually, the "moodiness" in the expectant mother flares up between the 6th and, slightly decreases in the second trimester, and then reappears towards the end of pregnancy.

Women respond to these changes in different ways. Some mothers just feel short-term outbursts of emotionality, while others may fall into anxiety and even.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time. The insane feeling of joy that you will soon become a mother is gradually replaced by other, more disturbing thoughts. You may be concerned about whether you will be a good mom, whether your child will be healthy, and how having a child in your family will affect your financial situation. In addition, you may be worried that your relationship with your spouse and your other children will take to another level, and you are unlikely to be able to devote as much time to them as you did before.

Even if your baby is highly desirable, at times you may have mixed feelings about pregnancy and fears about the future. As your pregnancy progresses, your body will change and you may feel unattractive in your own eyes or notice some changes in your spouse's behavior.

Finally, the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn, constant fatigue, and increased urination, can also be challenging. Therefore, do not be surprised that at some point you realize that you have lost control over both your body and your usual life!

How can mood swings be managed?

Try to remind yourself more often that it is absolutely normal, and you are not the only one suffering from excessive emotionality!

1. Take it easy ... Resist the urge to redo all things at once, and do not prepare the house ahead of time for the appearance of a child in it. You can equip the nursery and buy things for children when you go on maternity leave! You can gradually make a list of everything you need to do and buy, so that you don't forget anything later.

2. Spend more time with your spouse and children ... Remember, your life isn't just about a toddler who hasn't even been born yet, especially if you already have older kids! And your spouse needs you to tell him at least sometimes that you still love him. Spending time together will help you distract from your condition and prevent sudden changes in your mood. If prosperity and peace reign in your family, then both your husband and your children will become good helpers for you after the birth of your child!

3. Do what you enjoy ... You can just spend time relaxing, watching your favorite movie or reading a book, you can go for a walk or go to a cafe with a friend, or visit a zoo with your children, or take them to attractions.

4. Talk to your spouse about anything that bothers you. ... As a rule, sharing your worries and fears with your husband or a close friend will make it easier for you to just talk. And it is quite possible that after such a conversation it will seem to you that your "universal" problem will turn out to be a trifle! In addition, frankness is a sure step towards building a relationship of trust with your spouse.

5. Learn to manage your emotions ... Rather than letting frustration build up in your life, find ways to eliminate it. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, and don't forget the recreational activities! Identify the source of stress in your life and change everything you can for the better.

What if the moodiness persists?

If your mood swings last more than two weeks and you think your condition is getting worse, be sure to tell your doctor about it and ask for a referral to a psychotherapist. You may be among the 10% of pregnant women who suffer from mild to moderate depression during pregnancy.

If your mood swings become more frequent and intense, you may have a condition called bipolar disorder, in which depression can turn into mania.

If you suspect that you have serious problems, it is imperative to get professional help with their treatment while you are still pregnant. Studies have shown that unaddressed emotional problems in a mother can affect the child's physical and psychological health, and they increase the risk of premature birth and lead to the development of postpartum depression.

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What is the cause of mood swings and how to deal with it.

Women have given birth, are giving birth, and will give birth, and there is nothing to be done about it, since this is the biological function of the female body - procreation. A woman in a position can cause different associations for each person, but everyone knows that they become nervous, capricious, quarrelsome, fall into childhood, their mood changes several times a day, and in general they acquire a lot of oddities (each has its own ). Yes, everyone knows, and everyone perceives this as a temporary phenomenon and treats a pregnant woman condescendingly (especially men who are often lost and simply do not know how to communicate with their pregnant wife). Few people really try to understand pregnant women (a woman is already very difficult to understand, and then there is a special psycho-state), even women who already have children do not understand how they could behave in this way, only a few not only understand, but also know what exactly happens to a woman expecting a baby. But at all stages of pregnancy, women are exposed to the threat of mental disorders (sometimes serious), neurotic reactions, and this, in addition to the fact that there is a huge load on the physical body, the occurrence of complications, unpleasant and painful sensations, and much more. Not a single man could withstand this on himself, since he is psychologically much weaker and “breaks down” faster (many have already begun to admit that the stronger sex is female, and it’s not about physical strength), men even feel pain stronger and sharper, since their pain thresholds are lower than that of a woman. In order to withstand and survive childbirth, nature took care to increase the woman's pain threshold, but still, some after childbirth, after painful shock, acquire schizophrenia, and here no one is 100% insured. Perhaps, after reading the information below, you will start treating pregnant women differently, and look at them with different eyes.

As you know, the period of bearing a child takes 40-41 weeks, about 9 months, this period is divided into trimesters (three months for each), each of them has its own characteristics and its own specifics in physiological and psychological terms. An obstetrician-gynecologist monitors the normal development of the child and health, no one monitors the psychological until the woman begins to behave extremely inadequately. Although recently there are clinics that take care of the psychological support of pregnancy and childbirth, but not everyone can afford it. The first problems arise from the moment when a woman began to suspect that she was expecting a child. There are different situations, a woman is not always ready for this, although theoretically this possibility always exists, but after all, theory and practice can be very different. It is not known how the father of the unborn child, relatives, will react, life changes abruptly in an instant, even if the family has prepared in advance for this event. And if the child is undesirable during this period of life? But we will not analyze this scrupulous situation and will discuss in more detail the situation when a woman decides to give birth ...

The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by an ambivalent (dualistic) attitude towards the child, there is a struggle between two opposite tendencies. The first is the infantilization of a woman, she behaves like a little girl, she likes the care and attention of others. The second trend is the emergence of a sense of maturity in connection with motherhood. It is the struggle between these two tendencies that leads to frequent mood swings, which are perceived by others as unmotivated. And besides this, hormonal changes occur in the body, which also affect the nervous system. At this stage, a large number of neurotic reactions can be observed. Sensitivity to smells, sounds, a large number of autonomic reactions increases: headaches, dizziness, pressure surges, sweating, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. It is in this trimester that toxicosis of pregnancy (histoses) occurs, which, in addition to physiological reasons, also have psychological causes. So, according to Adler's theory, histosis is symbolic, vomiting is a display of disgust for the child. Freud believed that histosis arises in connection with the weakening of the will to motherhood, as a consequence of the excessive civilization of human society. In addition, histosis is a manifestation of an unconscious attitude towards her husband. Our domestic psychologists believe that the leading role in the onset of histoses is played by the personality traits of a woman. Therefore, the trait of women can be divided into two categories:

1. This includes women with minor affective disorders, which are manifested in the form of irritability, irascibility, women are tearful and touchy, at the peak of these experiences and histoses occur. Before pregnancy, these women were distinguished by a harmonious personality structure and a realistic approach to solving emerging difficulties.
2. The picture of the course of pregnancy is polymorphic, there are many manifestations, the most frequent of which are chills, fever, headaches, fainting, surges in blood pressure, and swelling. Emotional disorders: unaccountable fear, constant feeling of anxiety, stress. This group of women before pregnancy had many crisis situations and stresses, therefore, while carrying a child, they have more problems than women of the first category.

The second trimester is the most favorable and stable period. In mentally healthy women, disorders do not arise, histoses have passed by this time (very rarely they are observed throughout the entire period of gestation), the physical condition is normalized. With the support and care of her husband and relatives, a woman feels like a fully-fledged person and does not arrange hysterics on every occasion (again, if her life is stable and calm). However, quite often depressive reactions are observed, which are associated with a deterioration in appearance, because they begin to involuntarily pay attention to a woman on the street, and you do not look in the mirror in order to admire yourself. Again, if the husband does not particularly focus on changes in appearance, but shows his feelings, as before, then the woman will not be so upset.

The most difficult period is 7-9 months, psychological disorders occur in 80% of women. Pregnant women become intravented, insecure. At the initial stages of the trimester, the phenomenon of "immersion in the child" is observed - this is the appearance of obsessive thoughts about the child, about the possible consequences of childbirth for him, the fear of having defects in the child, in general a woman becomes very impressionable and fearful when it comes to the child. When childbirth approaches, fear of labor activity arises. Therefore, it is very useful to read literature, watch special films, set yourself up only positively, because loved ones will be there. There are several types of prenatal anxiety:

1. generalized - fear in response to various sensations, all unusual sensations are perceived as the beginning of childbirth;
2. physical - occurs when a woman has a hard time tolerating the physical aspects of pregnancy;
3. fear for the fate of the fetus;
4. fear of the need to care for a child;
5. fear of feeding a newborn;
6. psychopathological variants of anxiety - the emergence of neuroses and psychopathies, and they can also occur in mentally healthy women. So, the syndrome of rude treatment of the fetus is an expression of anxiety, while a woman hits herself hard on the stomach in the absence of a desire to provoke an abortion, is an indicator of aggression towards the child.

Postpartum psychosis (3-5 days after childbirth) manifests itself in the woman's attempts to harm the child, is a reaction to trauma, therefore, the new mother needs to be monitored so that she does not harm the child (at this time she is not aware of her actions).

Of course, this is far from all that can happen to a woman over the course of nine long months, and the most difficult thing is yet to come, these are new fears and under-slept nights. But in order to understand, you need to know. Maybe now you look differently at a pregnant woman on public transport, and maybe give her a seat, not because the rules of decency and etiquette require this, but because now you understand her a little more.