Many women find that their moods become more manageable in the second trimester. You may find that you have more control over what you’re feeling, and that you’re not as weepy or irritable as you have been. Once the major mood swings of the first trimester have passed, it’s still perfectly normal to have the occasional wobble. This may be particularly true as you get closer to your due date, when the imminent arrival of your baby makes concerns about labour and the future hard to shake.

How can I manage my mood swings myself?

Firstly, it’s important not to blame yourself for the way you’re feeling. You’re not the only mum-to-be who has struggled with her emotions during pregnancy. Although it’s difficult, be patient, and your emotions should calm down on their own.

There are plenty of things you can try that may help to make your moods more manageable:

Talk it through

One of the best antidotes to feeling down or stressed is to talk to someone. Try to be honest about what you’re feeling with your partner, friends and family. You may be surprised by how understanding and supportive they can be!

You can also find support and advice from fellow mums-to-be, who know exactly what you’re going through, in the friendly BabyCentre community. If you’d rather talk to someone confidentially, you can always chat to your GP or midwife.

Ask for practical help

It’s understandable that you want to get everything done before your baby arrives. But pregnancy is already hard work. Don’t feel that you have to decorate the nursery, clean out every cupboard and shop for every piece of baby equipment single-handed. If things are getting on top of you, lean on your partner, friends and family for support. They’ll probably be only too happy to help, once you tell them what you need.

Get plenty of rest

It’s harder to manage your moods if you’re tired, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Taking short naps when you can throughout the day may help to make up for any lost sleep at night. If you’re working, talk things over with your boss to see if there’s a way for you to take more breaks. If you’re nearing your due date, consider taking your maternity leave earlier than you’d planned. This may give you the extra time you need to recharge your batteries before your baby’s born.

Original article: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a253/mood-swings-in-pregnancy