Mood swings are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and are usually brought on by an increase in hormone production, according to the Mayo Clinic. While they may not completely eliminate symptoms of hormone imbalances, some vitamins can help reduce the severity of your mood swings while you are pregnant. Always consult your physician before taking any vitamin supplement during pregnancy.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3, or niacin, is an important B-vitamin for energy metabolism and mood regulation. According to the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression," niacin helps maintain blood glucose levels and energy production, and low levels of niacin contribute to symptoms of depression. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends pregnant women consume about 18 mg of niacin daily for optimal health.
Vitamin B-6
According to the book "Your Vegetarian Pregnancy," written by nutritionist Holly Roberts, pregnant women require more vitamin B-6 than women who are not pregnant due to elevated estrogen levels. Vitamin B-6 helps your body adapt to the metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy, including helping your body maintain a healthy hormone balance. Vitamin B-6 causes your brain to convert the amino acid, tryptophan, into serotonin, which is a natural mood elevator.
Vitamin B-12
MedlinePlus, a website run by the National Library of Medicine, says that vitamin B-12 can have positive effects on your mood, energy and concentration. The website recommends pregnant women consume about 2.6 mcg of vitamin B-12 daily for optimal health. According to a 2009 study published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," nutrient imbalances throughout pregnancy, including vitamin B-12 deficiency, can increase your risk of developing depression.
Precautions
Your body needs more B-vitamins, such as vitamins B-3, B-6 and B-12 while you are pregnant because of your body's increased energy demands, according to the book "Essentials of Life Cycle Nutrition." However, since B-vitamins are fat-soluble, your body cannot get rid of any excess if you take in too much, which increases your risk of side effects associated with vitamin toxicity. Vitamin supplements should only be taken during pregnancy under the supervision of your physician.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Getting Pregnant
- "Your Vegetarian Pregnancy"; Holly Roberts; 2003
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin B-12
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Perinatal Depression: Prevalence, Risks, and the Nutrition Link - A Review of the Literature; B.M. Leung and B.J. Kaplan; September 2009
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Depression"; Michael B. Schachter and Deborah Mitchell; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
