Pregnancy Emotional Rollercoaster
Why has Getting Pregnant Made Me So Moody?
It is normal to have mood swings during pregnancy. Mood swings are most common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when you are going through hormonal changes, morning sickness and tiredness. You may be overjoyed at the thought of having a baby one day, then the next day, wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. Parenthood is a lifelong change and takes some getting used to. It is quite common to feel confused, touchy or nervous.
To manage your moods:
- Realize you may react differently to a situation when pregnant than you did when you were not.
- Some things that never made you irritable now do.
- Understand you may feel love, anger, fear and everything in between about the pregnancy.
- Find a trusted person to talk to for support, advice or encouragement.
- Take a nap, go for a walk, give yourself a treat or go to a movie with a friend.
Dad: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
The birth of a child is a life-changing event for both of you. When a baby is born, her parents also are born. Even though you are not carrying the baby, it will take you and your partner a full nine months to prepare for the birth of your child.
As an expectant father:
- Know you may have some of the same tensions and worries about being a new parent that your partner may be feeling. Talk with her about your concerns.
- Understand her ups and downs. Your mother-to-be may be sensitive. Be patient with her and give her plenty of love and support.
- Find a trusted person to talk to when you are stressed or the pregnancy gets to be too much for you.
Go with your partner to prenatal visits and take an active role in the pregnancy by learning all you can about parenting and being a father.
This page last updated on 3/10/08.