Irritability During Pregnancy

If, anyone out there thinks that pregnancy or getting pregnant is a wonderful experience, then hold on; not all the time. It can be very good for few women and a havoc for the rest. Majority of women, I am sure, lie in the latter half category. I know that the "feeling" of someone being in your belly is a very exciting thing in itself, but almost all the women have to go through this roller coaster ride to see the beautiful outcome. Depression and pregnancy mood swings is a very common thing that all women experience. So if you all are wondering or tensed whether you are the only victims, then you are wrong and you have a reason to smile about. Going in depression is a common thing, so you need not worry. Irritability during pregnancy, may be with your partner, or may be with family members, or may be your friends or colleagues, is just one of the symptoms of depression and a part and parcel of being pregnant.

Extreme irritability, as I mentioned earlier, is one of the many symptoms of being pregnant. You could experience it in the first trimester or may be the last one or may be throughout. I will elaborate on what could be the most probable reasons of being so. So just read through...

• The first thing that would come to your mind too, will be the hormonal changes which is quite obvious. If you are not aware, hormonal changes can disturb your body metabolism and can lead to severe hyperactivity. The pregnancy hormones, estrogen and progesterone, change during pregnancy since your body is preparing for the new one.
• If you are facing problems in your married life, it can lead to high irritability as well. There could be a possibility that your partner and your family members are neglecting you. And this time around, it's not just you, it's you and your baby. You might get frustrated and could end up crying.
• Also if you have had fertility problems as in, if you have had hard time conceiving, you might get irritated. And obviously the fact, whether you will be successful or not, this time around, could put you under immense amount of pressure.
• Abortions or miscarriages, if you have had one previously, will make you highly irritated as you have been through the same, before, and that too which ended on a sad note.
• There might be a possibility that you are not able to go through this "pregnancy phase" or finding it too difficult to take the responsibility. This could be the case with young pregnancies. Also, women are most likely to go through bed rests in case of complications which could lead to irritation.
• Most of the women are today's "working women". Sudden period of rest i.e. the maternity leave, will make them restless, as they would not be able to do all those things which they could do earlier. The freedom is lost.
• If you have had a bad family history or events, say a death of a close one or so, you might not be able to deal with it, because pregnancy makes you weak; emotionally and physically. Even a woman who is said to be strong enough, might just give up on this occasion.
• Make sure you are not indulging into smoking or may be drinking. If so, then you are disturbing not only yours but your baby's health as well.
• Also, because, you are expecting, and there is a new member adding to your family, you will be a bit tensed as to how are you going to raise him, take care of him and stuff. The females expecting for the first time will definitely be worried about this one. Do not worry. You will, for sure.
• Also, things like getting out of shape, not fitting into your favorite clothes can freak out your minds for sure. But relax, it's just a matter of few months.

Dealing with Irritability

• First of all, slight irritability is bound to happen because of hormonal changes. So you can hardly do anything about it. The best way is to ignore it. Watch T.V., listen to music, watch movies, go out with your hubby or may be friends, try to keep yourself busy. Gossip, if you want to!
• If you have relationship problems or may be misunderstandings with your partner, sort it out. Do not let there be a communication gap between both of you. Whatever problems you are facing, tell him. It will make you feel better. Remember, the baby belongs to both of you. If you share an amazing bond and understanding with your partner, nothing can beat it. Be a bit romantic:) Try to go out with him on long drives or so...I am sure you will forget your depression and enjoy.
• Go for pregnancy yoga classes or try meditation. Do not forget to do pregnancy exercises in any case. It's very important. It might happen that you will be feeling clumsy and lethargic, but do not avoid it. I am sure you will feel fresh and pleasant.
• Go for maternity shopping. We all love shopping, don't we? Just this time around buy baby toys, baby clothes and stuff. Buy maternity clothes or gowns if you want.
• Buy books dealing with pregnancy. Read them. You will feel nice.
• Please avoid taking tablets or drugs against depression. It can severely affect your and your baby's health. But if your depression thing is going a bit too far, you can talk with your gynecologist about it or may be take a psychiatric medication, if required.
• And lastly, sleep as much as you can. If you take rest, it's going to be the best thing you can do for your baby.
• Also, if the families and the hubbies are reading this one, make sure you pamper her as much as you can. It is very important on your part to understand her and what she is going through. Do not forget, its you all, whom she relies on. So do your best to protect her. Do not let her work too much.

To sum up, honestly, I believe most of your depression or irritability during pregnancy is a psychological thing. Do not make a fuss about it. It's totally normal. Just take rest and be happy!