Attention all expecting mothers 🤰 Are you experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions?

Spouse and family members around the woman must first realize and be educated about the emotional changes she goes through. It would be good if they are given resources to read, such as on theAsianparent, so that they know the woman is going through a lot of body changes and might need a lot of rest, and positive support from them. They might have to takeover some over of the housework, childcare and give the woman some time for her to recover. Acknowledging what she is going through is also important. Being present and available to listen to what she says is also essential.

Light to moderate exercise does help to alleviate mood changes during pregnancy. Try a walk, yoga or swimming, whatever you are used to doing before pregnancy. However, avoid strenuous activity. Your body will tell you what activity is too much for you.

Minor emotional changes do not usually have long term effects. However, if the symptoms are enough to be diagnosed as an anxiety or depressive episode then there is a possibility of further episodes later in life.

Signs of depression include feeling low persistently no matter the situation, or not enjoying what we used to, sleep difficulties, feeling tired, negative thoughts such as worthlessness, guilt and hopelessness, having thoughts of death, poor concentration, agitated or slowed down thinking and moving as well as changes in appetite. This is a constellation of symptoms which persist for at least two weeks. If anyone experiences these symptoms then it is best to meet a medical practitioner for advice and treatment.

The hormones involved during pregnancy are oestrogen and progesterone. The body is working hard developing the baby in the womb so the brain will also be affected by the hormones. There can be mood swings, feeling tearful or easily irritated.

https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/how-you-might-be-feeling/emotions-during-pregnancy#:~:text=Apart%20from%20sickness%20and%20tiredness,experience%20them%20throughout%20their%20pregnancy.

Hi Anonymous, it really goes back to the individual person what they found that really helped their emotions. It's good to have some me time, and do the things we like, usually involving sensory experiences, like baking, gardening, a bath or some light exercise. A chat with a good friend or listening to favorite music is also good for mental health.

There are higher levels of hormones during pregnancy in order for your body to grow a baby. These hormones affect the brain and can make you easily irritable, tearful or have mood swings. These emotions usually fade away as our bodies adapt to the higher levels of hormones. However, some women persist having these emotions throughout pregnancy.

They start in week 9 or 10 in the first trimester and can last all the way up to a few weeks post pregnancy which we call postpartum blues. Anything more severe or persistent might be diagnosable as an anxiety or depressive disorder during pregnancy or postpartum.

I'm not sure in what way you are distressed with your in laws but it is good to have some boundaries so that we don't trip on each others' toes. Some time away from them would be good if you are living with them, such as when you go to work or have a day out for yourself. You might have to wait until your emotions are in a better condition before facing them again.