How To Deal With Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Your moods have been all over the place lately. First, you are laughing and happy, ecstatic to be a new mom. The next minute all you want to do is climb into bed and cry for the rest of the day. Later, you feel rage over the slightest mishap and can barely resist the urge to punch a hole through the wall.

Relax! It’s normal. We know you’re going through a lot right now, and your mood swings are making you feel crazy. Here are a few ways to help you deal with the ups and downs of mood swings during pregnancy.

Keep A Journal

Writing is a great way to expel some of the negative energy. Write without restraint, letting all your emotions, thoughts, and feelings come out onto the paper. Not only will you feel better afterwards, but it’s a great way to document all the processes you went through after you have the baby.

Sweat It Out

Exercise is a proven way to increase endorphins. In fact, it’s practically impossible to feel sad or angry during and after a good workout. Try riding a bike, jogging, swimming, or whatever form of exercise you enjoy.

Musical Therapy

Listening to your favorite music is a great way to improve your overall mood. Sing at the top of your lungs or dance around your house if it makes you feel better. An alternative is to put on relaxing classical or meditative music, lay down, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, focusing on the sounds.

Talk It Out

Friends are a huge part of our lives, especially when we are going through rough times. If you are struggling through a hard day or week, meet up with a girlfriend over coffee or lunch and talk about it. A few hours with a sympathetic friend or two will do wonders for your mood.

Meditate

If you haven’t mediated before, now is a great time to start. Meditating for at least 10 minutes when you wake up and before you go to bed is an excellent way to regulate your moods.

Choose a quiet room in your home, find a comfortable sitting position, and close your eyes. Begin to take slow, deep breaths. Focus on your breathing. If a thought comes into your mind, redirect your attention to your breathing. It takes quite a bit of practice, but the benefits are astounding.

If you need more help, join a class at a local yoga studio, buy a meditation book, or download a guided meditation online.

Take A Time Out

You’re dealing with a lot of changes right now. You are expecting a new addition to your family and your body is adjusting accordingly. The combination of your daily stresses along with your pregnancy can make it all seem overwhelming. Take it easy and don’t be afraid to give yourself a timeout. Take 10 or 15 minutes or however long you need for yourself.

Mood swings are a part of the mental stress you go through during pregnancy. Accepting the process and taking good care of yourself during these nine months are the best ways to get through this rough time. Once that beautiful baby is born, it will all feel worth it!

Jasmine Stephenson is a blogger for An Apple A Day and a writer specializing on phlebotomist training for Guide to Healthcare Schools.

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