Mood swings in pregnancy are normal but not easy to manage.

Pregnancy involves a series of biological, psychological and social / relationship changes and each of them represents a considerable challenge.

Pregnancy is often thought of as a particularly stressful period not only physically but also emotionally. The so-called mood swings can be frequent and the role of hormones in their manifestation is crucial.

Pregnancy involves a series of biological, psychological and social / relationship changes and each of them represents a considerable challenge.

Each trimester of pregnancy has its own physical challenges in the form of fatigue, nausea, hunger or lack of hunger, sleep or lack of sleep, not to mention increased physical pain and discomfort towards the end of pregnancy.

Hormonal changes can promote mood swings for some, but they can also have the opposite effect of stabilizing a mood swing.

It all depends on each person’s sensitivity to hormones (usually the way a woman experiences the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle can give an idea of ​​how she might tolerate the hormonal fluctuations typical of pregnancy).

In addition to all the physical changes, pregnant women may be concerned about labor pain or weight gain, to name a few. Furthermore, pregnancy can affect your relationship with your partner as well. Along with changes in sex drive, pregnancy can add stress to the relationship. In a certain sense, the relationship must be “re-negotiated” because a new level of the relationship is faced which requires more commitment. And even more will require with the birth of the child.

There are many topics that need to be discussed: how will we be parents together? How do we want (or don’t want) to involve our families?

These conversations can be difficult, as both parties may have different points of view.

So given the emotional burden that pregnancy brings, it’s no surprise that you experience mood swings during the nine months!

Pregnancy can make anxiety worse

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 52% of pregnant women report experiencing anxiety or depression during pregnancy. They are huge numbers.

Everyone can benefit from psychotherapy during pregnancy, but it is essential for those who have a history of depression or anxiety, or in their family; for those who have had traumatic experiences, especially sexual abuse or assault or childhood abuse or neglect; it is also important for those who are experiencing a complicated relationship or for those who feel socially isolated.

How many mothers are there who live motherhood alone?

How many find themselves unprepared for the difficulty of motherhood ?

The transition to parenthood is so overwhelming that everyone could benefit from talking to a therapist. So it never hurts, no matter the circumstances, to connect with a mental health professional who can help us understand and process all of these changes.

If you’re experiencing mood swings during pregnancy, first of all know that it’s completely normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

It’s important to know how to understand your mood, that you’re not alone in having these feelings, and that it’s okay to seek comfort and reassurance.

Pregnant women need someone who cares about them and understands what they are going through.

Every pregnancy is also different, so if you experience very few mood swings during your first pregnancy you may experience more intense mood swings during your second or third pregnancy. Or viceversa.

Seek help

In Italy we are very poorly organized for the psychological support of pregnant women. The initiatives are for the most part all private, at a national level there are no associations or telephone numbers useful for women who have difficulties in pregnancy.

An example of an outpatient center that deals exclusively with psychiatric disorders that appeared during pregnancy and the post-partum period is the Psiche Donna Center which has been located since 2004 at the Macedonio Melloni Hospital. Or the clinic located at the birth point in Bergamo. However, these are always single initiatives without national coordination, which would be so much needed to create a capillary network through Birth Points and consultants, to offer support to the woman or the couple in experiencing pregnancy and in the transition to parenthood.

If you search for “support” or “support” on the net, these terms often rhyme only with economic support. But women need much more. Too many women who experience pregnancy badly because they feel alone and misunderstood, too many who take responsibility for pregnancy and parenthood on their shoulders because their classmates do not actively participate in sharing the project, except in the first phase (conception). Too many women who succumb to the real difficulties of the first weeks of pregnancy, because they are alone in managing the child.

When will parenting support become more important? Economic and social? What still has to happen?