Do you find yourself snapping at your spouse/partner for no reason and then wanting to cuddle with him, and then the next minute you cry because you feel bad that you snapped at him? Do you suddenly start crying while watching your favorite comedy show on TV? Do you get easily aggravated by having to wait in line at the grocery store? If you see someone trip and fall down while you’re out, do you burst out laughing and then start crying?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you can relax you’re not going nutty. You are experiencing a very common part of pregnancy – mood swings! If you find yourself looking for someone or something to blame for the emotional roller coaster you’re going through, remember that it’s your hormones that are the culprit.
Pregnancy Hormones
During pregnancy, your hormone levels surge. This surge of hormones that makes you so emotional is a result of the increasing amounts of progesterone and estrogen in your blood. When your hormone levels rise it affects your mood, creating your mood swings.
You may also find that one minute, you’re excited about having a baby, and the next you are feeling overwhelmed and you may constantly worry, and these worries can play a contributing role in your mood swings. Below is a list of the most common worries that contribute to your mood swings:
- Am I ready to be a mom?
- Will I be a good mom?
- Will my baby be healthy?
Emotional outbursts and mood swings may also be caused by the following:
- Fatigue
- Stress (both physical and emotional)
- Sudden changes in metabolism
At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, Dr. Ahmadinia is always willing to discuss with his Apple Valley and Victorville patients their concerns and is always willing to offer advice.
