Pregnancy can bring about some pretty unexpected changes. While some obvious one's like financial turmoil and making some space for a new baby can be quite clear, the internal rollercoaster ride is ignored quite often. Ranging from mixed emotions to extreme episodes of being happy or sad, pregnancy is quite a phase. "Hormonal changes play a huge role
in your moods during and after pregnancy," explains Lucy Puryear, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and author of Understanding your moods and emotions when you're Expecting. "All women are different, but in some, the emotional changes can be extreme." In order to help you with your pregnancy Journey, here's a simple guide to your pregnancy emotions
and how to handle them effectively.
FATIGUED AND FOGGY
Feeling tired and having Brain Fog are some of the common complaints by pregnant women. The Exhaustion phase is usually experienced during the first trimester due to an increase in HCG levels and may result in morning sickness as well. While the hormonal changes are to be blamed for most of the brain fog and exhaustion, some of it is also because of the changes in the priorities. Making space for the coming baby, be it financial, emotional, or physical. It can be quite a journey.
HOW TO COPE: Try to sort one thing at a time. For instance, if you're juggling work and home, try to keep both of them apart. Avoid mixing up the two. You can even consider taking an early maternity leave if the struggle is getting too much to handle, there's no one way to go through pregnancy. Moreover, you can try to increase your me time by exploring different Hobbies that you left at some point or the other. You can try to move your body by exercising. Meditation is also an effective way to
reduce brain fog.
IRRITABLE
According to Geetha Shivakumar, M.D., an assistant professor in Department of Psychiatry at the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, "Hormones appear to play a significant role in precipitation of emotional issues during pregnancy" The irritability part can be attributed to the fluctuating levels of Estrogen and Progesterone and is usually experienced during your first Trimester.
HOW TO COPE: It is important to discuss the annoyance with your partner beforehand as it can lead to some difficult conversations later on. Most people are not aware and so it may come as a surprise for them. Understanding the root of the issue can help your partner help you with it. You can also try out breathing exercises and Meditation. Certain foods are known to have soothing effect on your Brain which can reduce annoyance to a certain level.
EXTREME BLISS
Happiness is a very commmon and positive part of pregnancy. "Estrogen can produce a sense of wellbeing," says Puryear. "Then again, a lot of women are just excited and happy about being pregnant"
HOW TO COPE: Enjoy the bliss to its fullest. Share your happiness with your loved ones and create a positive environment for the baby.
DEPRESSION
Around 10% of pregnant women Suffer from depression or depression like symptoms. Not being aware about the seriousness of these, most women ignore the early signs and avoid consulting their doctors. "For most part, Pregnancy was thought to be a phase of emotional well being, until recently" says Dr. Shivakumar. Ignoring the signs can lead to serious complications as a result of not sleeping properly, smoking, poor eating habits etc. Some common symptoms of depression can be;
Sleeping too much or too little
Sadness lasting for more than 2 weeks
Poor eating habits
Isolation
Unexplained Crying episodes
It is advisable to consult a qualified Doctor if the symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks
HOW TO COPE: Treatment includes Light Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Support Groups and pregnancy safe anti-depressants.
Talking to Friends and family or a licensed Therapist can be helpful as it creates a safe environment
While the Hormone induced Emotional changes can be a bit too much to handle, it is safe to know that having friends and family around creates a safe and healthy environment for both, the mother and the baby. Creating a happy, positive environment can be helpful as it tilts the mood towards a more blissful state.