Why Are You Feeling Moody?

Do you feel overwhelmed by worries or anxiety? Here's how to cope with those feelings during pregnancy

By Dr Janice TUNG, Associate Consultant and Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, Visiting Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Many mums- and dads-to-be find the journey of pregnancy very memorable and the bond they develop with their baby very special. At the same time, they may also have worries about the baby's health and the future. This is very common as parenthood is a big transition in your life. For mums-to-be, hormonal changes during pregnancy may also make you more sensitive, especially in the first trimester.

But if you're feeling extremely moody, irritable and tearful around week 20, this may be a signal of something a bit more serious. Here's what you need to know about the pregnancy blues and how you can get help to start smiling again.

Signs of Pregnancy Blues

pregnancy blues

Irritability, anxiety and sadness
Inability to concentrate
Severe feelings of guilt or the tendency to blame yourself
Feelings of hopelessness and feeling that life is meaningless
Mood swings
Disinterest in the things you used to enjoy
Wanting to cry all the time
Loss of appetite
Insomnia or poor sleep quality
Fatigue
Forgetfulness

Related: Antenatal Depression

The Risks of Developing the Blues

risk of developing pregnancy blues

One in five pregnant mums is likely to have these symptoms. Often, it's a combination of these factors that increase the likelihood of this condition:

Having an unplanned pregnancy, especially as a teenager or young mother
Having difficulty with pregnancy symptoms and complications
Foetal abnormalities
Previous episodes of depression
Previous miscarriages or difficulties conceiving
Environmental factors such as interpersonal problems and financial stress

What You Can Do

what can you do with pregnancy moods

It's important to identify and treat these baby blues to ensure a physically and emotionally healthy pregnancy and a healthy environment for your little one. These steps will help you:

Ensure you enjoy proper nutrition
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Exercise regularly
Continue to participate in activities that interest you
Join a mothers' support group so they can address your concerns
Talk to your loved ones so they can give you the support you need at this important stage of your life
Consult a doctor immediately or seek professional help. Your doctor may ask you to go for counselling or other forms of therapy that will help you. The earlier you seek treatment, the earlier you can recover. Always remember that you are not alone in this journey

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your baby a healthy start.

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Sources:

The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth 2008, World Scientific

Healthy Start for your Pregnancy 2012, Health Promotion Board Singapore

This article was last reviewed on 06 Jul 2021