Mood swings during pregnancy. How often does mood change during pregnancy? How to deal with a bad mood? The mood of a woman during pregnancy

Expecting a baby is a joyful time in the life of every woman. At first glance, it should evoke only pleasant emotions, but this, unfortunately, is not always the case. Most pregnant women are familiar with the state when tears suddenly appear in their eyes or, conversely, at the most inopportune moment, they suddenly want to laugh for no reason. During pregnancy, unusual sensitivity and vulnerability, tearfulness and increased resentment may appear. Frequent mood swings, increased emotionality, irritability are symptoms with which future parents seek help from psychologists. Let's look at the reasons for the ongoing changes in the mood of a pregnant woman.

Psychological preparation for pregnancy

First of all, you should pay attention to your psychological state before pregnancy. Let's explain why: the central nervous system affects the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of hormones necessary for pregnancy and childbearing. Majority modern women lead a very active lifestyle before pregnancy, work a lot and for a long time, spend a lot of time at the computer, have little rest, often do not get enough sleep. All this leads to great stress on the nervous system, which, in turn, can lead to hormonal and psychological problems.

Doctors believe that a woman who is going to become a mother, at least 3-6 months before pregnancy, needs to minimize the psychological burden on her body. It is necessary to devote more time to proper rest, be sure to get enough sleep (at least 8 hours a day). In addition to all this, you can not create a stressful situation for the body (actively lose weight, abruptly start intensive sports, etc.).

Mood changes during pregnancy

Continuous mood swings during pregnancy are often associated with a variety of changes in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman. Most often this is felt in the first months of pregnancy. After all, your body needs to adapt to change. A woman may feel fatigue, drowsiness, irritability. Particularly susceptible to these conditions are those who "did not bypass" toxicosis. Sudden attacks of nausea, dizziness, fatigue, physical ailments do not add Have a good mood. There is a feeling of own helplessness, irritability, anxiety, a feeling of misunderstanding on the part of others.

It is important to understand that such a state is natural. Of course, this will not make it easier, but you will understand that you are not alone - all pregnant women are subject to "emotional storms".

In the first months of pregnancy, a woman undergoes not only physiological, but also psychological changes: gradually getting used to the role of mother. At this moment, it may seem to a woman that others do not understand her, they are not attentive enough to her new state.

Svetlana says:

At the beginning of my pregnancy, it seemed to me that my husband was completely uninterested in my condition and did not understand how lonely I was now. I wanted to either cry from resentment, or scream at the whole house. My husband did not understand what was happening to me, and I did not understand how to deal with it ...

The period of pregnancy can give a new spark in family relationships, or, on the contrary, give rise to a complete misunderstanding. It is at this moment that it is more important than ever for a woman to receive support from a loved one. But it should be understood that a man in this moment harder to understand your condition. As a rule, he has no idea how the baby develops, and about the changes taking place inside your body. Do not be upset and do not reproach him for insensitivity, give him time to realize himself as a “pregnant dad”. Unobtrusively enlighten him. Talk to him about the changes happening to you (both physical and mental). Another possible reason for the experience is related to the woman herself.

Anna says:

This was my first pregnancy. The child was very welcome. But for the first few months the thought did not let go of me: “How will my life develop further? What will happen to my career, which has just begun to take shape? Can I be a good mother to my baby?

Such questions can cause a feeling of irritability, insecurity, fatigue. It takes time to realize and accept your new state. In the middle of pregnancy, emotional excitability is much less common than in the first trimester. Minor physical ailments have passed, toxicosis has receded, it's time to enjoy your new sensations. It is at this time that most pregnant women experience a creative and physical upsurge. Peace, tranquility, slowness characterize this period of pregnancy.

At this time, your figure changes, the tummy becomes visible to others. Someone was waiting for this moment, someone is worried about their increasing size. This concern is understandable, because any woman wants to be beautiful.

At the same time, fears related to the health and development of the unborn baby may arise. They are experienced in one way or another by absolutely all pregnant women. At the heart of these fears, as a rule, are the stories of "kind" girlfriends or relatives, or the sad experience of friends. Against the background of these fears, tearfulness, irritability, and sometimes even depressive states occur.

In the last, third, trimester of pregnancy, your emotions may again be "on top". The reason for this is rapid fatigue, plus the approaching birth. More often than before, there may be anxiety associated with childbirth. Increased anxiety during this period occurs in almost all pregnant women. It is important here that you are prepared for childbirth and for meeting the baby. Of course, it is very good if you attended special classes. Preliminary psychological preparation of a woman during pregnancy is very important for successful childbirth and postpartum recovery. She gives not only knowledge, but also confidence in the success of her new role - the role of the mother. The main goal of the psychological preparation of a pregnant woman is just to solve all the problems that prevent the expectant mother from enjoying the state of pregnancy. But if you have not attended such classes, it does not matter. The main thing is your attitude to the meeting, the desire to see the baby, to help him be born. As a rule, immediately before the very birth, anxiety passes.

During this period, many pregnant women experience the so-called "narrowing of interests." Everything that is not connected with pregnancy or with a child is practically of no interest. Relatives should know this and not be surprised that talk about a future vacation or a purchase new technology do not cause any emotions, but the conversation about the benefits or harms of diapers, on the contrary, is infinitely long. This increases the activity aimed at preparing for childbirth and motherhood. Buying clothes for the baby, choosing a maternity hospital, choosing assistants who will come after childbirth, preparing an apartment ... That is why this period is sometimes called the “nest-building period”.

How to beat a bad mood during pregnancy?

• During this period, it is very important that you have the opportunity to rest during the day. No coincidence in Japan maternity leave is given in the first months of pregnancy, as they are considered the most difficult for a woman. It is important to understand that mood swings are a natural part of pregnancy. The main thing - do not let a bad mood become the basis of your day. And then it will definitely pass.
• Keep a sense of humor - it will always help you cope with a bad mood.
• Start learning relaxation techniques. It can be auto-training, swimming. If there are no medical contraindications, a relaxing back or foot massage that your spouse can do is very effective.
• Spend as much time outdoors as possible. Dosed physical exercises will also be useful.
• Try to do everything possible to cheer up: meet people you like, do something that fascinates you. Look for the beautiful parts of life and enjoy them.
• Don't be afraid to let your emotions out. If tears "do not let go" of you, do not worry - cry to your health.
• The main thing - do not drive resentment, gloomy thoughts into the depths of your soul. Since ancient times, in Rus', a pregnant woman was advised to cry, complain to relatives, so as not to harbor a grudge. But the relatives of the pregnant woman were supposed to protect her from any troubles, it was not allowed to scold her or arrange quarrels in her presence.
• Try to be patient and “wait out” this time, because communication with the baby is ahead - the happiest moments in the life of every woman. Remember: Bad mood not forever, it will soon pass.
• Remember that your doctor is closely monitoring your child's development. If, in spite of everything, you do not let go of the feeling of anxiety, tell the doctor about it, let him tell you in more detail about the condition of your baby. Talk to other future and already held mothers - and you will understand that your fears are in vain.
• Be sure to remind yourself that developing baby your positive attitude matters. Try to worry less about trifles, maintain positive emotions in yourself. To do this, you can listen to soothing music, communicate more with nature.
• Remember: anxiety and small fears of childbirth are natural.
• Try not to focus on the fact that you are tired, that you want to give birth as soon as possible, etc.
• great way getting rid of anxiety before childbirth is preparation for them. Repeat relaxation techniques, breathing exercises. Prepare a dowry for the baby. In other words, do specific things.

Fears during pregnancy

Anxiety is not so dangerous, if it is not a constant bad mood, an obsessive, painful feeling, or insomnia. For most pregnant women, anxiety is a temporary condition that they can overcome on their own or with the help of their loved ones.

If you observe a constant depressed mood in yourself, which is also accompanied by insomnia, loss or decrease in appetite, physical weakness, melancholy, apathy, a feeling of hopelessness, then these are already signs of depression. Depression is not a harmless condition - it's a disease. Prolonged depression definitely needs treatment. In women, the appearance of depressive conditions may be associated with hormonal changes in the body. This is what causes emotional changes, i.e. changes in mood and feelings.

In medicine, there are such concepts as "premenstrual syndrome", "postpartum depression". While the former requires little or no medical supervision, postpartum depression almost always requires medical care. Therefore, you need to remember that in cases where you cannot cope with anxiety or fear on your own, if bad thoughts do not leave you day or night, do not hesitate to seek qualified help. In all cases of emotional instability of one's behavior, one can and should work. Bad mood can be overcome by activity, creativity. In very confusing situations, a psychologist will come to the rescue, but first of all, you need the support of your family and friends.

It is important to understand that the emotional anxiety of a woman who is expecting the birth of a child is completely natural, but excessive anxiety is harmful, because. the baby is going through with you. A violent emotional reaction does not harm the child, but experiences without a reason do not bring any benefit. The most common cause of anxiety or fear in future mother, is the lack of knowledge about how pregnancy proceeds, what happens during childbirth. But all this can be easily removed. Ask questions to your doctor and psychologist, read special literature, talk to women who have already given birth. Learn to relax and calm down. Switch your attention from any disturbing thoughts - this will allow you to get positive emotions. You need to learn not to react to troubles and enjoy life. Pregnancy is a time when you can afford not to react to life's little problems. The main thing is your desire to be happy and enjoy these unique, wonderful nine months of waiting for your baby.

A positive attitude while expecting a baby is very important. But it is far from always possible to maintain a good mood. The mood during pregnancy changes often and not always these changes are for the better.

Often, expectant mothers are haunted by fears, anxieties and even real depression. How to cope with your mood and maintain a cheerful mood?

How mood changes during pregnancy

Often, pregnancy completely changes the behavior of a woman, and even close people note that she has become different. And minor mood swings occur in almost everyone. Most frequent changes:

• Increased nervousness and anxiety. It is usually observed at the very beginning of pregnancy and intensifies just before childbirth.
• Distractedness and forgetfulness. Usually appear in the second trimester.
• Sentimentality and. Observed throughout the entire period of bearing the baby.
• Self-doubt and anxiety. Usually they increase with the development of pregnancy and reach a peak before childbirth.

Manifestations of mood swings are very individual. They are different for each individual woman and can take even the most bizarre forms. There is no need to be surprised, the reason for most mood changes lies in changes in the body and the woman's attitude to it.

How do mood changes affect the body?

To ensure the normal development of the fetus, the woman's body has to endure serious changes. All of them affect the mood. The most obvious ones are:

• Hormonal changes. The levels of biologically active substances in the body of a pregnant woman are constantly changing. Our mood is also controlled by hormones, so it changes from time to time for no apparent reason.
• Too much physical and mental stress. Carrying a baby requires a lot of strength from a woman. If she does not take this into account and continues to work in the former regime, this can cause fatigue and mood deterioration.
• Change in metabolism. This reason can also provoke changes in mood.
• Worry for the baby. Most often, this occurs during the first pregnancy, when the expectant mother does not yet know what is the norm and what is not, and worries about any changes in the body.
• Global changes in life. For many women, pregnancy leads to a drastic change in their habitual lifestyle, and this cannot but affect their mood.

Physiological changes in the body often provoke nausea, which is traditionally called. This condition negatively affects the well-being of a woman, her performance and, of course, her mood. For most expectant mothers, taste sensations and preferences change. Some previously favorite foods begin to cause disgust, and instead of them you want to eat something unusual.

From the outside, this may seem like whims, but a woman really does not know what she wants. It depresses her and spoils her mood. After all, you have to suffer from nausea, hunger and incomprehensible desires.

The same changes occur with the sense of smell. Any smell can sharply cause disgust or vice versa, become a source of joy. Often, favorite perfumes become a source of irritation. If a woman, without thinking, took advantage of them in the morning, the mood will be spoiled for the whole day. Or vice versa, the smell of a neighboring construction site, caught by chance, will raise vitality.

Do not forget also about dizziness. They haunt many women for all 9 months, spoiling the mood. It also irritates the growing tummy, which makes it difficult to move normally and move quickly. But what happiness each push of the baby brings. The future motherhood of many women fills with joy, which from the outside seems incomprehensible and causeless.

All these changes are absolutely normal and most expectant mothers experience them. Just at different women they may appear in different ways.

While mood swings during pregnancy are normal and harmless in most cases, sometimes you need to pay closer attention to them. Under the mask of the banal whims of the expectant mother, more dangerous conditions can be hidden:

• Asthenia. This is a general breakdown and weakness. The reason may be malnutrition due to nausea, overwork, constant stress. If a woman complains of fatigue and the inability to perform tasks that were previously given without problems, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating, while looking pale and lethargic, this may indicate asthenia. In this case, the expectant mother will need rest, good sleep and proper nutrition. It is advisable to take sick leave and minimize stress.
• Stress. It is often difficult for weak and impressionable girls to combine their usual life with the responsibility for the baby growing inside. This leads to constant tension and stress. This condition negatively affects the working capacity of a woman and the well-being and development of the fetus. To overcome this condition, you can take a break, ask to reduce the load at work or take sick leave, and also try to tune in to the positive.
• Depression is quite rare, but very dangerous state. More often it occurs after delivery (postpartum depression), but expectant mothers are also not immune from it. This is a disease that is difficult to cope with on your own, you will need the help of a psychotherapist and, possibly, a psychiatrist.

depression during pregnancy

Often, even serious depressive disorders remain undiagnosed due to the fact that all problems are attributed to hormonal changes in the body. If a bad mood does not go away and causes serious discomfort, it is better to contact a specialist for advice. The most common symptoms of depression are:

• Constantly depressed mood, especially in the morning after waking up;
• Feeling of annoying weakness;
• Constant thoughts about your own worthlessness;
• Feeling physically unable to do anything;
• Frequent suicidal thoughts up to attempts at self-harm.

To some extent, all these symptoms can also occur with fatigue, asthenia, and simply a bad mood. But if they are pronounced, combined with each other and do not go away for a long time, interfering with normal life, it is better to consult a specialist. The last two signs are especially dangerous. When they appear, it is necessary to contact a psychotherapist immediately.

How to deal with depression

If depression is not severe, you can try to cope with it yourself or with the help of a psychologist, but without medication. It is known that most pharmaceuticals can adversely affect the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy, so it is better to choose safe methods, such as rest, walking, pleasant emotions.

If you feel that you can not cope with your emotions, it is better to take sick leave and rest. Do not overload your already loaded body with work.

Often the best doctor for a woman is her husband. Explain the situation to him, ask for help and support. Perhaps he needs a consultation with a psychologist. Let the specialist teach him the very basics of how to help the woman he loves, and together you can overcome any difficulties.

Professional help for depression during pregnancy

In some situations, without the help of a professional, it is impossible to solve the problem of depression. It is advisable to limit yourself to psychotherapy and other non-drug methods. But, if it doesn’t work without medication, don’t be afraid and don’t refuse treatment. A good specialist will be able to choose the most harmless drugs. Most often, sedatives are recommended. They do not eliminate depression, but they help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Sometimes this is enough for a woman's condition to improve significantly.

What to do with whims during pregnancy?

If a woman herself understands that there are no serious reasons for mood swings and sadness, but at the same time, periodically she wants to cry or irritability attacks, most likely these are ordinary whims. If the expectant mother is upset by her rounded figure, nausea or other signs of pregnancy, you just need to try to relax and endure. Shopping helps a lot. Buying clothes for pregnant women or various little things for the baby will improve your mood and help you find the pluses in your condition.

If fractional nutrition, aromatherapy and others folk methods do not help to cope with nausea, you should consult a doctor, as this condition is fraught with dehydration.

In non-dangerous cases, when nausea does not threaten the condition of a woman and a child, you can try to read funny stories about toxicosis and other delights of pregnancy on the Internet. This will help to understand that almost everyone goes through such suffering, and to find something funny in them. Another way is to write about your own misadventures. It will help you look at yourself from the outside and laugh at your problems.

A good way to get rid of whims is to succumb to them for a while. Agree with your husband in advance that sometimes he will have to play along with you, specify the time and duration of the “capricious period” and allow yourself to relax at this time.

You can send your husband for unknown delicacies, demand a massage, change TV channels as soon as you don’t like something, etc. Just do not go too far and do not delay your periods of rest, so as not to bring your spouse to depression.

How to improve your mood during pregnancy

Often, expectant mothers themselves provoke a deterioration in their mood, too obsessed with their pregnancy and possible problems. It must be understood that carrying a baby is a natural process for a woman. In most cases, it does not carry danger, but, on the contrary, is a source of new pleasant sensations and incredible experience.

Even if you did not plan pregnancy, and it came as a surprise, this is not the end of your usual life and well-established life. This is a miracle that will give a completely new beautiful reality.

In order to maintain vigor and good mood for all 9 months, it is very important to listen to the advice of doctors, namely:

• To live an active lifestyle. It is because of the forced rejection of some entertainment and frequent stay at home that many women have a worse mood. But pregnancy is not a disease. The expectant mother may well walk, visit the pool, Pilates or yoga for pregnant women. You can also attend special childbirth preparation courses, which necessarily include gymnastics.
• Eat properly. Deterioration of mood can be caused by undernutrition, overnutrition, abdominal discomfort, etc. But during pregnancy, the desire to eat something harmful, sweet, fatty, fried, etc. often attacks. Unfortunately, such dishes often provoke nausea, heartburn and a set of extra pounds. Therefore, if you want something “forbidden”, you can afford quite a bit to enjoy the taste. The basis of the diet should be healthy meals in reasonable proportions and quantities.
• Learn and develop. Often the mood worsens due to fear of childbirth and not understanding what is happening to the body. Knowledge will help get rid of it. Read books, watch educational films, prepare for childbirth not only physically, but also mentally.
• Don't forget about yourself. Buy yourself nice clothes for expectant mothers, do hairstyles and manicures. It helps to understand mood and self-esteem. Good idea- Pregnant photo session. A professional camera will help you look at yourself from the outside and understand how beautiful you are.
• Learn relaxation techniques. Be sure to connect your spouse to this, his help will also be needed.
• Look for pleasant emotions everywhere - watch good films, read books, go to exhibitions and walk in nature.

It is very important to learn to avoid negativity. This is very difficult, as unpleasant information surrounds us everywhere. Therefore, watch the news less often, avoid talking to unpleasant people and gossips, turn off the TV if a movie scares or upsets you, and interrupt unpleasant conversations even if you have to break the rules of decency. Your well-being and the comfort of the baby during this period is much more important.

Sometimes you have to let your emotions out. If you want to cry - there is nothing wrong with that, you can just cry. But do not drive your fears and gloomy thoughts inside.

Remember that pregnancy is another period of life, and it will also pass, leaving behind a wonderful baby and invaluable experience. If it is difficult, do not be afraid to ask your husband for help or tell a psychologist about it. Try to find something pleasant in every day. Soon you will meet with a child, life will begin new stage, and in it there will be new difficulties and many, many joys.

Instruction

Most often, a woman's mood changes dramatically in the first trimester. This is due to medical reasons. The fact is that there is a serious restructuring of the body at the hormonal level, and hormones are entirely responsible for the mood of the expectant mother. To be convinced of this, it is enough to remember how teenagers behave during the period of subadult maturation, when hormones also begin to rage with terrible force.

Basically, the changes occur due to the fact that the level of the hormone progesterone rises several times, which makes it extremely difficult to keep yourself under control.

There are also psychological reasons, after all, pregnancy is a stress for a woman, she begins to realize her new status, on the one hand this pleases her, and on the other hand causes certain fears. She feels both happy and unhappy, both weak and strong, hence all these emotional "swings" arise.

The second trimester is perhaps the most calm, it is during this period that the woman is most balanced, this is also due to the fact that toxicosis has receded, hormones have fallen into place. The pregnant woman has already got used to her condition, and begins to enjoy it to the fullest.

In the third trimester, severe anxiety often reappears. His appearance is also absolutely logical. The stomach began to grow very quickly and it becomes extremely uncomfortable with it, the date of birth is approaching, such troubles as swelling may occur. All this cannot but affect the emotional state of a woman in a position, so she can be overly irritable.

It is impossible to guess in advance how this or that woman will behave, sometimes, the new situation radically changes the ladies. The most calm and balanced, it would seem, a woman with the onset of pregnancy can literally become a hurricane, and vice versa.

Experts believe that if a woman experiences strong emotional swings during PMS, then most likely during pregnancy she will expect the same thing.

It was also noticed that during pregnancy, the character traits of a woman are significantly aggravated, that is, if she was sentimental in everyday life, then becoming pregnant, it will be even easier to bring her to tears.

The manifestation of one's emotions is not dangerous either for a woman or for her child, on the contrary, it is not recommended to accumulate negativity in oneself, it is better to get rid of it, for example, by crying. But in any case, it is not recommended to bring the situation to the limit, you need to learn how to reduce the intensity of passions. You can go for a walk alone and just be alone with your thoughts and emotions, as a rule, this helps to restore emotional balance. You can do what you love, which also has a beneficial effect on the condition of a woman.

It is well known that during pregnancy, a woman's well-being undergoes a wide variety of changes. The psycho-emotional sphere is no exception: new sensations, a sense of responsibility and excitement for the health of the baby cannot but affect the mood, reactions and behavior of the expectant mother. Mood changes are very individual and temporary; at right attitude to this question for the pregnant woman herself and her loved ones, emotional restructuring can go completely painlessly and imperceptibly.

Unfortunately, there are many persistent myths about the mood and behavior of a pregnant woman that create the wrong patterns of behavior for future parents. Sometimes such false stereotypes cause expectant mothers and their loved ones much more trouble than real changes in the emotional sphere.

Mood during pregnancy: I don’t want, I won’t

For some reason, it is generally accepted that the expectant mother is constantly in a state of “out of the fire and into the frying pan”: she cries, she laughs, she is offended, she gets angry for no reason. This behavior is really not uncommon for expectant mothers; however, it is a mistake to consider it the norm and an indispensable attribute of pregnancy.

The psycho-emotional sphere is the most subtle and individual area of ​​human physiology, therefore, there can be no talk of any template changes that are the same for all pregnant women. Of course, the emotional background of the future mother is changing relative to the usual rhythm; however, each woman has her own scale and nature of these changes.

At the beginning of pregnancy, when hormonal changes occur, the mood can really “jump” along with hormones. Normally, such emotional instability is felt within 1–2 weeks and is noticeable only to the most pregnant woman and the closest family members. Often during this period main character does not even know about his "interesting position". However, even during this period, mood swings do not occur in all expectant mothers. Many women note a stable change emotional background, for example, constantly elated mood (euphoria) or the predominance of feelings of depression - a depressive state.

The stability of emotional changes indicates the establishment of the “dominant pregnancy” in the expectant mother. Psychological dominant is an emotional state that prevails over all other experiences of a person at a certain stage of his life.

In the emotional state of the expectant mother, not even one, but several dominants are distinguished; each of them usually corresponds to a certain stage of pregnancy. In this case, we are no longer talking about drops, that is, constant mood swings from one extreme to another for a short time, as is usually attributed to pregnant women. And finally, about 30?% of women do not notice any changes in the emotional sphere - neither at the beginning of pregnancy, nor at further stages of its development.

The situation when a woman during the entire period of pregnancy illustrates with her behavior the well-known lines of the classic “she will howl like a beast, then she will cry like a child”, indicates the need for consultation with a perinatal psychologist; this condition is not the norm and may indicate more serious deviations in the well-being of the expectant mother. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for such a fickle mood and behavior of a woman to be simply due to the influence of a psychological template: “I am pregnant, and I am supposed to show my feelings violently!”

The mood of a pregnant woman: Whims - a classic of the genre

In fact, this is not true; the opinion that the expectant mother is “supposed” to be capricious is not true and rather harmful: the influence of this myth significantly complicates the life of the pregnant woman herself and her loved ones. The classic vagaries of “pregnancy folklore” include sudden, overwhelming desires of the expectant mother that require immediate fulfillment, such as the requirement to buy oranges at two in the morning. Naturally, the failure to fulfill the whim is followed by resentment, tears and the accusation of loved ones in the lack of sensitivity towards the lady in an “interesting position”.

A common misconception about "a pregnant woman should want something like that" makes great amount women artificially invent special desires for themselves, constantly puzzling their relatives with them and being in an offended and irritated state, since whims often turn out to be difficult to fulfill and do not always cause delight among others. To the question: “Who really wanted something irresistibly during pregnancy - was it salty, did you want to listen only to classical music, etc.?” Asked on a thematic forum on the Internet, only 13?% of respondents answered positively.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with the desire of a pregnant woman to give herself small pleasures. In the end, it is useful for the expectant mother to experience positive emotions, because the hormones of joy that are released at the moment of pleasure speed up the metabolism and have a positive effect on the development of the baby. So you can allow yourself small whims from time to time - of course, if it does not turn into an obsession, does not terrorize the household and does not poison the existence of the “culprit” herself.

Fear of childbirth

This is a very stable myth about the emotional state of the expectant mother. It is believed that while waiting for a baby, any pregnant woman should experience various phobias - fear for the course of pregnancy, for the development of the fetus, for her own health and the future health of the baby, and finally, the fear of childbirth.

Unfortunately, many believe that fear is a normal state of a pregnant woman, a completely logical reaction of a woman’s psyche to a “responsible” position and, therefore, no special actions are required from others to combat “pregnant” fears. This is an erroneous opinion: a feeling of fear cannot be the norm in any condition, especially during pregnancy. Fear is destructive in nature: it suppresses the normal functioning of the nervous system, paralyzes the will, leads to the development of emotional stress and depression. The feeling of fear is accompanied by the release of adrenaline in the body of the expectant mother - a biologically active substance that adversely affects the functioning of the heart, blood circulation and the state of the nervous system.

Adrenaline, circulating in the blood of a person experiencing fear, causes a rapid heartbeat - tachycardia, an increase in blood pressure - hypertension, increases the excitability of the cerebral cortex. These changes in well-being are extremely undesirable for the expectant mother, since an increase in vascular tone and excitability of the nervous system directly leads to the development of uterine hypertonicity - the main factor in the threat of abortion and premature onset of labor.

With high blood pressure, placental blood flow suffers and, consequently, the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus is disrupted. Against the background of a panic state, the risk of such dangerous complications of pregnancy as gestosis, a toxic disruption of the kidneys on later dates pregnancy, which is manifested by high blood pressure, an increase in edema and protein in the urine; acute fetoplacental insufficiency - a violation of blood flow in the placenta; premature detachment of the placenta. It is obvious that it is impossible to consider a condition that provokes such formidable complications as the norm.

Of course, it is common for expectant mothers to worry about the course and outcome of pregnancy. All women at various stages of the "interesting situation" are worried about their health, doubt their own abilities, worry about the baby. Of course, all expectant mothers are worried about the upcoming birth and sometimes even afraid of them. It is important that this natural excitement that occurs at times does not turn into constant uncontrollable stress caused by a panic feeling of fear.

The main reason for any panic is the fear of the unknown, the lack of timely and adequately provided information on a topic that has become a source of excitement. That's why The best way dealing with fears - finding answers to disturbing questions; An ideal source of such information are special magazines, books and courses for expectant parents.

Mood during pregnancy

A characteristic feature of the emotional background of pregnancy is the loss of a woman's ability to control her emotions. The pregnant woman herself suffers from such changes no less than those around her, complains that she literally “does not keep up” with her emotional reactions, which sometimes become too sharp. Similar behavior is characteristic of some women during premenstrual syndrome (PMS); the difference is that PMS lasts a few days at most, and emotional lability can manifest itself during the first trimester of pregnancy.

As before menstruation, at the beginning of pregnancy, irritability occurs as a result of powerful hormonal changes. The usual hormonal background of a woman, mainly consisting of the female sex hormones estrogens, begins to decline from the moment of fertilization, giving way to the "pregnancy hormone" progesterone. At first, the ratio of estrogens and progesterone in the blood of a pregnant woman changes every day; it is these changes “at the chemical level” that lead to mood instability and sharp emotional reactions of the expectant mother.

Later, when a constant hormonal background of pregnancy is established and the balance of hormones in the body is restored, mood swings should be less of a concern for the expectant mother. However, even on early dates pregnancy, irritability cannot be considered the norm of the future mother's condition - rather, it is a common pathological reaction that certainly requires correction. Being irritated and nervous for a pregnant woman is just as harmful as worrying: such negative emotions, like fear, lead to an increase in adrenaline in the blood, the negative effect of which was mentioned above.

The best way to stabilize the emotional background of the expectant mother is to switch her attention to events or activities related to receiving positive emotions. During laughter, joy and pleasure, “happiness hormones” - endorphins - predominate in the blood of the expectant mother. These substances control the metabolic rate, oxygen saturation of the blood, as well as the supply of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and everything that is necessary for its full development to the fetus. So the expectant mother, who is in a good mood during pregnancy, is more likely to have a baby. healthy child than in women who are constantly nervous, irritated and crying during pregnancy.

In order to cope with irritability, it is necessary first of all to get rid of the physiological sources of discomfort. These include fatigue, beriberi, sleep disturbance, insufficient oxygen supply to the body of the expectant mother. In the fight against irritability, daily walks in the fresh air perfectly help, water procedures with sea salt, swimming pool, yoga and Pilates classes. With an unmotivated change in the emotional background, it is very important to normalize night sleep.

To fully sleep at night, before going to bed, it is recommended to walk in the fresh air for at least half an hour, ventilate the bedroom for 15 minutes, and take a warm bath. You can drink motherwort infusion at night, a sedative collection for pregnant women, or just a glass of warm milk with honey. If it is not possible to restore sleep and a stable mood by non-drug methods, you should consult a doctor about sedative therapy: the exhaustion of the nervous system associated with sleep disturbance affects not only the irritability of the expectant mother, but also an increase in blood pressure and uterine tone, and this can lead to serious pregnancy complications.

The vagaries of a pregnant woman: I can do everything

A pregnant woman can count on a special attitude from others; some moms-to-be are starting to use their " interesting position”and manipulate loved ones with the help of scandals, resentments and whims. Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon - many of the fairer sex consider it shameless to use all the advantages of their special position to motivate care and attention from relatives. The desire to manipulate loved ones has nothing to do with the notorious instability of mood - it is caused not by the lack of the ability to control emotions, but by the conscious influence on others by imitation of violent feelings.

It also happens that the expectant mother simply ceases to control her emotions and behavior, believing that during this period everything is forgivable to her. In this case, of course, we are not talking about an attempt to deliberately manipulate others; however, such a position of "permissiveness" is also unacceptable. Within reasonable limits, control over emotions is still necessary: ​​the tone of the uterus and placental blood flow, which ensures breathing and nutrition of the fetus, depend on the status of the nervous system. In addition, the eccentric behavior of the expectant mother can do her a disservice: loved ones, tired of constant scandals, will soon stop responding to constant mood swings, tears and irritability. As a result, instead of a special relationship that the “capricious” pregnant woman was counting on, relations may cool in the family, resentment and quarrels will begin - and this is already a reason for real depression.

For every girl, a bad mood during pregnancy is a common thing. It seems that pregnancy should cause only positive emotions, but things do not always work out the way we would like. A bad mood appears for no apparent reason and at any moment. Laughter for no reason, unexpected tears in the eyes, all this is familiar to pregnant women.

Heightened emotionality

All these 9 months a woman will be accompanied by increased emotionality: irritability, tearfulness, resentment, vulnerability. You can not contact a specialist and solve the problem yourself. It is only necessary to understand the reasons for such changes in the mood of a pregnant woman.

Psychological condition

A bad mood is the cause of a psychological disorder. Medicine explains this as follows: the endocrine system is under the influence of the nervous system, so hormones are released that are needed for pregnancy and for bearing a child. Many pregnant women have little rest, play sports, work, spend most of their time at the computer and rarely get enough sleep. All this is not in the best way reflects on nervous system, which in turn leads to various problems.

Loads on the body

You can leave a bad mood far behind if you follow the advice of doctors, in addition, it is necessary to reduce the psychological burden on the body. This should be done immediately when the woman found out about the pregnancy. She needs to move more, spend a lot of time outdoors. For the health of the expectant mother, a good rest is very useful. You need to sleep at least 8 hours a day and get enough sleep. Try to avoid stressful situations, do not do a lot of sports, do not lose weight dramatically, do not go on diets.

Severe adaptation

Changes in the hormonal background are inextricably linked with constant mood swings. Bad mood is most noticeable at the beginning of pregnancy. The body of a pregnant woman needs time to adapt to these changes. During this period, a woman feels constant irritability, fatigue, increased drowsiness. Bad mood is characteristic of pregnant women who have toxicosis.

natural process

Soon the woman will feel that she will soon have a child. Pregnant women are prone to mood swings. Gradually, a woman develops a gradual addiction to the role of mother. It seems to her that no one understands her, that everyone at home is against her.

Seek help from professionals, because for women during this period, the help of a professional and psychological support is important. Talk to your husband about how your life will change with the birth of a child and take only the best from your childhood for raising a child.

With all these tips in mind, you can manage a bad mood during pregnancy and you can thus prevent depression.