Mood Swings during Pregnancy: Irritability and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a rather taxing and overwhelming time, especially during the first trimester. It is quite common to experience ‘pregnancy irritability’ and ‘pregnancy mood swings’, due to the hormonal changes occurring in the body. While there are simple lifestyle related adjustments, aromatherapy and medication that can be helpful, it is important to appreciate that your body is going through a whole lot of changes and mood swings and irritability are inevitable.

What Causes Mood Swings?: Irritability during Pregnancy 

Pregnancy hormones affect the level of neurotransmitters in the brain; everyone reacts in a different way to these changes. Some experience heightened emotions; others feel crabby and depressed. By and large, irritability and grumpiness flares up at 6 to 10 weeks, decreases in the 2^nd trimester, and tend to reappear as the pregnancy comes to a close

• You may be ecstatic at the thought of having a baby; and then may almost immediately experience a gamut of emotions - worry whether you'll be a good mom; whether the baby will be healthy; expenses of adding a child to the household; your relationship with your partner and other children; all this can lead to elevated levels of mental stress
• Constantly mulling over - Am I reading the right books? Am I buying the right products? Will I know how to stimulate my child's development properly and build his self-esteem? can also wreak havoc.
• Fear of child birth and associated activities can also stress you and result in a lot of apprehension.
• Furthermore, your body is changing and you may be feeling unattractive and are apprehensive about putting on excessive amount of weight or looking fat.
• What’s more, the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as exhaustion, acidity, indigestion and heartburn and frequent urination can be demanding. It is common to feel as if you have lost control over your body and your life during this time.
• Lack of sleep can also contribute towards stress and elevate your irritability
• All this may take your emotions on a roller-coaster ride and make you feel irritable, stressed out and petulant; however, this is just a phase and will slowly melt away.

Talking to Family and Friends
Eases Apprehensions

How to Deal With Mood Swings?: Treat Irritability during Pregnancy

It is very important that you make a conscious attempt to look after yourself and manage the stress and bad temper during the tumultuous times. Here are a few tips that will ease the irritation and grouchiness:

• You need to take ample rest and resist the desire to do as many chores as you can before your baby comes. Pampering yourself is an important part of taking care of your baby.
• You must talk to your partner; tell him how you're feeling. This will avoid him taking your flare-ups personally. Spend good quality time together and nurture your relationship.
• Do things that make you happy. Go for a walk, read books, draw, get a massage, see a movie or do gardening.
• Talk about your worries with your partner, family and friends. Putting your apprehensions and anxiety into words helps dispel them and also give you an insight into the possible solutions.
• Most importantly, you need to manage your stress well. Do not let annoyance and frustration build up, find ways to fight stress. Sleep well, eat adequately, exercise if your obstetrician permits, and have loads of fun.
•  If you still find worry and fretfulness creeping in, take a pregnancy yoga class, incorporate Pranayama and meditation in to your everyday routine, or consult a counselor.

An Aromatherapy Massage
Will Help Alleviate Stress

Aromatherapy for Pregnancy Mood Swings

Aromatherapy is comforting and nurturing, and it promotes a sense of well being in pregnant women. Not only will aromatherapy uplift your mood, it also helps manage a host of discomforts associated with pregnancy. Nonetheless, do consult your health care provider whether aromatherapy is safe for you.

The following essential oils have been proved to be extremely safe during pregnancy – Frankincense, Ginger, Sandalwood, Myrtle and Neroli.