Emotional Ups and Downs During Pregnancy

An understanding of what emotional swings to expect, why they occur and how to react to these changes will help you brace yourself against any potential harm they might cause on the overall wellbeing of both you and the baby. Here is a list of factors responsible for these emotional highs and lows:

Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy is followed by remarkable changes in hormone levels which unfortunately, is beyond a woman’s control. Changes in the hormone levels are responsible for mood swings. The verity that most pregnant women experience these alterations in emotions should be helpful in assuring you that such reactions are normal and hence do not call for panic.

The hormonal changes may manifest in the form of sudden outbursts over minor incidents, over reaction, crying, or having self doubt. When you become aware and accept it as a part of being pregnant, you will be able to handle it in a more mature manner and not get panicky or feel guilty about it.

It is important that your husband too understands what you are going through and how you feel about it.

Physical Changes
Pregnancy implies remarkable changes in your physical appearance. With the passage of each month, you are bound to undergo remarkable changes in your size and shape. It is often depressing to notice that “nothing fits anymore”. You may start worrying about the fat you tend to put on or feel that your husband/partner does not find you attractive any more.

The role of your partner here is paramount. He needs to constantly assure and reassure you that he still loves you and finds you immensely attractive. You, too, must realize that pregnancy does have numerous benefits from the beauty point of view.

An increased blood flow gives your skin a glow that is typical of only pregnant women, and the quality of your hair also reflects positive changes. You should rather be proud of being fertile enough to be bearing a new life and being responsible for bringing him into this world.

Career Concerns
Women work just as hard to make and build a career for themselves, and the decision to have children can bear serious repercussions on their professional lives. Where in certain cases it can mean temporary break from their jobs, in certain other, it may result in bidding a permanent good bye.

In either situation, it is not easy to leave something that you have taken years to build. Numerous other factors, such as promotions and appraisals, can also be affected by your decision to bear children. Career concerns can also make you jittery every now and then.

Take this opportunity to prepare yourself mentally for the challenges of balancing a bigger family and your job.

Concerns about Baby’s Health
The whole world seems to be endlessly advising you on taking good care of yourself since the baby’s health and wellbeing ultimately depends upon you. This causes tremendous pressure, and you often end up worrying too much about the baby.

Just take it easy and follow your check up schedules religiously. While visiting your gynecologist, make a list of all the doubts that may be simmering in your brain, with respect to your baby and pregnancy, so that you can clear them right away rather than pointlessly pondering over them later.

Anxiety about Being a Responsible Mother
Mothers-to-be, especially the first timers, often end up wondering if they would make good mothers and be able to handle the responsibilities and day to day care that a little baby needs; you need to realize that these doubts are natural.

Rely on family, friends, and husband for building your support system and collect as much knowledge on baby care as you can from different sources so that you can use it later when required.

Worry about Labor Pain
Even before delivering, one has seen or heard so much about labor pain that the mere thought of labor can give you a chill in the spine. Worrying about the impending labor will get you nowhere. Rather, try diverting your mind by picking up a book or switching on the television when such thoughts occur.

However, if you are too concerned about labor and don’t seem to be getting it off your head, discuss it with your doctor. There are numerous delivery options available today which are either painless or cause lesser pain during labor; you could opt for any one of them.

Physical changes accompanied with emotional variations are a part and parcel of pregnancy. The sooner you accept this, the better it is for you. Use your pregnancy to appreciate the finer aspects of life or for developing hobbies for which you could not devote time earlier.

As the hackneyed expression goes: “It’s time to enjoy and have a good time.” Don’t allow your emotions to play a spoilsport.