Pregnant and moody? How to manage the ups and downs
Posted May 5, 2002


Are you fine one minute and in tears the next? It's quite common to have major fluctuations in your emotions during pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen are thought to be partly responsible, but much of your moodiness is simply due to the fact that pregnancy is a time of tremendous change.

Mood swings tend to be most pronounced in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. They should gradually diminish as you sort things out and as your body adapts to the hormonal onslaught.

How can I manage mood swings?
First, understand that mood swings are part of the pregnancy experience. It's not surprising that you're feeling highs and lows, sometimes from one minute to the next. Knowing that you're behaving as expected (and as your hormones dictate) may quell some of the guilt you may be feeling.

If you're down in the dumps, do something that makes you feel good. Take a nap, go for a walk, read some Qur'an, listen to an Islamic talk about the hereafter or go visit a Muslim friend. Don't be so hard on yourself. One of the best antidotes is talk therapy — literally. Air out your feelings to friends and family. Pregnancy is a huge deal; it's a life-changing event, one that's bound to make anyone — even a mom who's wanted a baby for years — feel overwhelmed, irritable and anxious sometimes.

What if I can't shake my moodiness?
If you feel like your mood swings are more than run-of-the-mill, tell your doctor or see a therapist. About 10 percent of expectant women battle mild to moderate depression throughout their pregnancies. If you often or consistently feel blue, you may fall into this category.

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