Mood swings are extremely common during the prenatal months. They can arise as a result of a variety of factors. Although mood swings aren’t entirely avoidable, there are some activities and practice you can explore to try reduce their frequency.

In this week’s blog post, we explore the causes of mood swings in pregnancy and discuss some potential solutions. Take a look.

What causes mood swings?

 Mood swings during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors. Hormone changes; sleep deprivation; stress; changes in the metabolism. All of these factors have been linked to sudden changes in mood. Not only that, but add in the undeniable anxiety and uncertain that many women find themselves experiencing at the prospect of becoming a new parent, and it’s not surprising that many women experience sudden shifts in their moods. Although mood swings aren’t entirely avoidable, there are some things you can do to try reduce their frequency. Let’s take a look at some potential remedies.

What can I do to help deal with my mood swings?

1) Exercise

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep and boost a person’s overall well-being. By getting regular exercise, during your prenatal months, you can help reduce the number of mood swings you experience.

2) Sleep

Don’t underestimate the benefits of a good night’s rest. During your prenatal months, you might start experiencing occasional sleeplessness. However, it’s important to try aim for a healthy amount of hours each night. Sleep deprivation has a tendency to increase stress levels and affect mood.

3) Manage Stress Levels

It’s important to manage your stress in practical ways. Rather than letting your stress levels rise – which then leads to irritability and general unease – take time out to treat yourself and unwind. There are countless ways to reduce your stress and relax. Generally, the best approach is to discover what works for you.

Any of the following activities can help you decompress: going for a long walk; taking a nap; having a warm bath; getting out of the house for a while to see a friend; getting a massage or some other relaxing therapy.

4) Meditation & Yoga

Practicing meditation on a regular basis has been shown to reduce stress levels and contribute to emotional well-being. The same has been linked to regular yoga exercise. By incorporating these practices into your weekly schedule, you’ll likely find that you’re more balanced and calmer in your daily life.

5) Talk About It

Letting concerns or anxieties go unspoken is not good for our emotional well-being. Because of the main uncertainties and concerns that pregnancy brings up, it’s important to express these to your partner or to those in your life. Communication is key during your prenatal months and needs to be maintained.

6) Eat Well

It’s far too easy to overlook the role that diet plays in our emotional lives. Not only does eating healthy improve our energy levels and boost our happiness overall, but it has been shown to contribute to a more balanced mood. By aiming for a healthy, natural and balanced diet, you can help keep yourself on a more even keel throughout your prenatal months.

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