The NFWP Comprehensive Guide to Pregnancy

Emotional Changes

Depression/Anxiety

Many pregnant women feel downright joyous one minute then crash into tears the next.  These up and down mood swings are just a part of the hormonal changes going on in your body. These hormonal changes set up the environment for mood shifts.

Emotional Mood Shifts

When any woman gets pregnant, she worries about the health of the baby and the pain of labor. She considers the future and how she will adjust to being a mother, along with a hundred different issues, all surrounding the addition of a baby into her life.

What to do about moods

Most of these anxieties can be eliminated by asking us medical questions or just telling us your worries. If depression really gets you down, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Expect these mood shifts, and don’t think something is drastically wrong when they occur. No matter how much a woman wants a baby, she still may feel inadequate once she becomes pregnant. The key to working through depression and anxiety is talk. You should communicate your feelings, even if you think they are too embarrassing. And try not to worry. It won't help now or in the future. Concentrate on living your life one day at a time.

When you feel anxious, pamper yourself with a warm, relaxing bath. Keep your thoughts on today’s events, not what could happen tomorrow. Make it a point to get out of the house every day, even if only for a short walk. Reach out to others when you need a comforting word.

Knowledge can erase many of your worries...so read books on pregnancy and child care. Prenatal classes are also a great idea. Pregnancy is a fascinating subject, especially when you are in the starring role. Since this source cannot cover all aspects of pregnancy and delivery, why not check out some books and read until your heart’s content.

If you still feel depressed, be sure to talk it over with us. It can affect your overall health. Let us help you discover that pregnancy can be a time filled with joy and happiness!

Sexual Changes

With your mood shifts come other emotional changes, too, including your feelings about sex. Desire for sex may rise or fall significantly during pregnancy. If you lose interest in sex, don't worry. It happens to a lot of women and doesn’t usually last long. Be sure to discuss your feelings with your partner and have him read this section.

All these physical changes may have you wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. Try not to fret because you will return to normal after delivery. Remember, pregnancy is a natural process and a woman’s body is designed to handle it with a minimum of stress.

Your mind is changing, too, right along with the fluctuation of your hormones. Mood swings are very common in pregnancy!

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