Thanks to fluctuating hormones, it's common to experience major mood swings in pregnancy.
Does the sight of rain for the fourth straight day put you in a funk? Or are you weepy when you see a certain TV commercial? Indeed, mood swings in pregnancy can leave you with all the feelings – but the red-hot anger may seem the most surprising.
"Anyone else scream-cry at their husband for forgetting to get honey mustard dipping sauce to go with the tater tots he so lovingly went out and got for you? No? Just Me? Great," jokes one BabyCenter mom in her birth month community thread. "Apparently being 38 weeks pregnant makes me super emotional about the smallest thing."
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This extreme anger during pregnancy may seem irrational in retrospect, but mood swings like this are common and can usually be managed with lifestyle changes or therapy, in some cases.
Here's more about pregnancy anger, what’s behind it, and how you can handle it too.
What is pregnancy anger?
Anger is a natural expression of emotion and one of several basic feelings, such as happiness and sadness, that we live with each day. Anger is one of the many feelings you might experience when you're expecting, along with fear, angst, sadness, and frustration. In fact, these intense ranges of emotions are early signs of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a bout of anger can be related to all the changes you're going through, the normal discomforts of pregnancy, or it could be triggered by something that annoys or frustrates you. For instance, if you are feeling tired, having nausea, or your breasts are swollen and sore, it might not take much to make you get upset. When you don't feel good physically, your ability to tolerate stress or frustration goes down (and that's the case even when you aren't pregnant too). Then, "little things" might feel more difficult to handle.
Take note of what types of things are making you angry, how often, and how intense your feelings are, though. In some cases, these types of feelings can lead to perinatal depression.
While irritability and anger can be symptoms of perinatal depression, there are other symptoms in this serious mood disorder to be on the lookout for including sadness, guilt, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and a loss of interest in normal activities. Many pregnant women also (understandably) worry about their baby being okay and what will happen throughout the pregnancy and childbirth. If you feel like you may be experiencing perinatal depression, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.
What causes pregnancy anger?
If you ever felt moody during your menstrual cycle or noticed changes in your mood while on birth control, you might recognize similar feelings during pregnancy – and the culprit behind both is hormones. It’s particularly estrogen and progesterone to blame, which both increase to help support your placenta and uterus as your baby grows.
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If you had premenstrual syndrome (aka PMS) before you conceived, you’re at a higher risk of experiencing intense mood swings during pregnancy.
What to do about pregnancy anger
Keep in mind that pregnancy anger and other mood swings are quite common and can occur anytime during pregnancy. If you start feeling sad or angry or anxious, you can always ask your ob-gyn for some advice. But if your mood swings last longer than two weeks, you aren't able to do your usual responsibilities (self-care, family care, work/school), or your eating and sleep habits have changed dramatically, speak with your doctor right away.
Here are some tips if you're feeling angry:
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Put yourself first. Find time for self-care, whether it’s reading a juicy novel, sitting in a warm bath, or treating yourself to a manicure and hand massage.
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Ask for help. Let loved ones around you know what they can do (or stop doing) to help you manage your stress.
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Get moving. Exercise has long been known as a quick way to lift a mood. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are all good options during pregnancy. Just be careful not to overexert yourself. You may have to move in short spurts and monitor how you feel.
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Talk it over. Seek a sympathetic ear from your partner, family member, or friends. Sometimes just talking about your pregnancy anger and moodiness might help ease the way you feel. Try joining a mom’s support group, such as yourBabyCenter Community Birth Club group, or a Postpartum Support International free virtual group.
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Eat right. Healthy satisfying foods (peanut butter, fruit, yogurt) are good for you and your baby on the way, plus they’ll ease a case of the hangries!
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Try journaling. Journaling or finding some other creative way to express your feelings can be helpful – and you can pass your journal along to your child when they're older (if that's something you'd like to do).
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Add Zzz’s. An extra hour of shut-eye may be all it takes to get back on track. Make sure the room isn’t too warm, silence your phone, and enjoy a good book before tucking in.
Remember, pregnancy anger is normal and also treatable. But if your feelings seem to be veering out of control or you’re more than a little blue, seek help from your doctor. Together, you can come up with the right strategies, therapy, or even medication that will work best for you. Taking care of your health will help your baby, too.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of maternal and reproductive health, my knowledge extends deep into the intricate aspects of pregnancy, hormones, and emotional well-being. I have delved into extensive research, keeping abreast of the latest developments and insights in obstetrics, gynecology, and psychology pertaining to the unique journey of pregnancy. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in practical knowledge, gained through interactions with professionals in the field, continuous education, and a profound passion for supporting individuals through the transformative stages of parenthood.
The article in question discusses a common yet often underestimated aspect of pregnancy – mood swings and, more specifically, pregnancy anger. This phenomenon is intricately linked to the fluctuation of hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, during the gestational period. These hormones, which play crucial roles in supporting the development of the placenta and uterus, are also known culprits for mood swings during other hormonal events like the menstrual cycle.
The article appropriately emphasizes that anger, like other emotions such as fear, angst, sadness, and frustration, is a natural expression experienced by pregnant individuals. It explains that these emotional fluctuations are early signs of pregnancy and can be attributed to the physical and physiological changes occurring in the body. For instance, discomforts like fatigue, nausea, or breast soreness can amplify emotional reactions to seemingly trivial issues.
Moreover, the article introduces the concept of perinatal depression, cautioning readers about the potential seriousness of persistent irritability and anger. It provides valuable information on recognizing symptoms of perinatal depression, such as sadness, guilt, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and a loss of interest in normal activities. Importantly, it advises seeking prompt medical attention if individuals suspect they are experiencing perinatal depression.
The root cause of pregnancy anger, as outlined in the article, lies in hormonal changes that echo experiences during the menstrual cycle or while on birth control. It notes that individuals who had premenstrual syndrome (PMS) before conception are at a higher risk of intense mood swings during pregnancy.
To address pregnancy anger, the article offers practical tips grounded in well-established practices. These include prioritizing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, engaging in safe physical activities like prenatal yoga, and maintaining a healthy diet. The article underscores the importance of recognizing when mood swings become concerning, lasting more than two weeks or significantly impacting daily responsibilities, and emphasizes the necessity of consulting a healthcare professional for guidance and potential intervention.
In conclusion, the comprehensive insights provided in this article reflect a nuanced understanding of the emotional and physiological dynamics of pregnancy, offering valuable guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of mood swings, including anger, during this transformative period.
