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What Are the Signs of Mood Swings in Early Pregnancy?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The signs of mood swings in early pregnancy are hard to miss, and they may include crying for no reason, irritability, and moments of extreme joy. Some women may experience one predominate emotion, and others may go through cycles of all of them. Most women experience mood swings to some degree, although some have them more severely than others.

Mood swings during pregnancy are caused by spikes in certain hormones. They may be exacerbated by physical symptoms which tend to occur at the same time. For instance, many women have insomnia during portions of their pregnancies and this may make irritability worse. There isn’t much a woman can do medically to alleviate these symptoms, but following a healthy lifestyle may help for some.

Pregnancy mood swings may include irritability.
Pregnancy mood swings may include irritability.

There is no known reason why some women have severe mood swings in early pregnancy and others do not. A woman can also experience varying degrees of symptoms from one pregnancy to another. Mood instability is most common during the first and third trimesters when hormonal shifts are at their most dramatic.

For some women, the moodiness may become debilitating. They may find it hard to function day-to-day, and in severe cases they may become severely depressed. This is relatively uncommon, and most women are able to deal with the roller coaster of emotions during pregnancy very well. For those who feel as though they cannot cope, however, some antidepressants have been approved for use during pregnancy when it is determined that they are necessary.

Crying for no reason is common during the mood swings of early pregnancy.
Crying for no reason is common during the mood swings of early pregnancy.

Those who continue exercising and who eat a healthy diet may experience fewer mood swings in early pregnancy. That’s because some symptoms may be alleviated in those who follow these healthy lifestyle habits. Exercise also releases feel good endorphins which may help combat symptoms of depression.

Most women experience an alleviation of symptoms during the second trimester. Hormones usually stabilize to some degree by this time, and many women begin to suffer fewer bouts with morning sickness and other physical symptoms as well. Since every woman is different and may respond to pregnancy in her own way, there is no way to predict which will be affected by mood swings in early pregnancy. The best thing is TO continue to practice healthy habits so that she will be prepared if mood swings do occur.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@rundocuri- A woman's best strategy for keeping her mood as stable as possible when she finds out that she is pregnant is for her to eat a balanced diet. If she eats plenty of lean meats, fruits, and vegetables, she will feel good while giving her unborn baby the nutrients he or she will need to develop.

It's also important that pregnant women avoid eating too much junk food. Excessive amounts of sugar, for example, can actually bring down a woman's mood because it will cause her blood sugar to fluctuate rapidly.

Too much fat is also a bad thing, because these types of food can make her feel sluggish. A lack of energy can amplify feelings of depression and anxiety that are common in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Rundocuri

Does anyone have some diet tips that help to balance a woman's mood swings in early pregnancy? I have heard that eating a balanced diet will help ease this problem, and I'm sure some foods are better than others when it comes to altering mood.

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    • Pregnancy mood swings may include irritability.
      By: igorborodin
      Pregnancy mood swings may include irritability.
    • Crying for no reason is common during the mood swings of early pregnancy.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Crying for no reason is common during the mood swings of early pregnancy.