Experiencing Emotional Fluctuations During Pregnancy: Understanding Pregnancy Mood Swings
Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional change for women. In Germany, research shows that these emotional changes can be profound, with many women experiencing anxiety disorders and depression during and after childbirth.
Approximately 11% of mothers suffer from anxiety disorders and 6% from depression in the first three months after birth. Psychological issues are often detectable during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and treatment for pregnant women.
Anxiety is common throughout all trimesters, with 8 to 10 percent of women experiencing perinatal anxiety. Fluctuating hormones, specifically increases in estrogen and progesterone, contribute to mood swings during pregnancy. Mood swings can be triggered by changes, stress, lack of sleep, pregnancy symptoms, and delivery and motherhood worries.
Mood swings during pregnancy can occur in all three trimesters, as well as postpartum. In the first trimester, fear and anxiety about miscarriage and bodily sensations are common. Some women may also experience body image issues due to bloat and difficulty buttoning up their jeans. In the second trimester, anxiety about the size of one's body and the first kicks can occur. In the third trimester, fears about the birth, the size of the baby, and life changes with a new baby are common. Anger can happen throughout each trimester, with some women experiencing increased anger during the first trimester.
Crying is a common occurrence throughout all trimesters due to hormonal shifts. Pregnancy-induced brain fog can cause forgetfulness, such as forgetting appointments, where one left their phone, or what they opened the fridge to look for. Brain-cell volume decreases during the third trimester of pregnancy, which may contribute to these cognitive changes.
Nesting behaviors, such as the sudden urge to clean and prepare for the baby, peak in the third trimester. Estrogen could be a factor in these behaviors, but it does not necessarily mean labor is near. Lack of sleep during pregnancy can make one feel zapped of energy.
It's important to note that almost 20 percent of postpartum depression starts during pregnancy, and undiagnosed and untreated depression during pregnancy isn't good for mom or baby. Early recognition and treatment can help improve outcomes for both mother and child.
In conclusion, pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of significant emotional change. Understanding these changes and seeking help when needed can help ensure a healthy and happy transition into motherhood.
