(Subtle) fleshly tendencies during pregnancy

Periodically these days (more often than I would like), I seem to go through several days of struggling with irritability and losing control of my emotions. I react to situations more strongly than I ought (or is necessary), and sometimes am irrational (though I don't feel that I am looking at things irrationally at the time). I have had cause to regret the way I've treated people, particularly my husband, and looking back over what happened I get so perplexed. What is wrong with me? Am I really such an irritable person? I definitely had problems controlling my temper when I was younger, but God has done so much to bring that under better control as I've gotten older. How have I backslid so far?

And then I remember I'm pregnant. And I've heard about hormones and mood swings and such things. And I guess I should realize I am not immune from them myself.

However, the fact that I am pregnant and am more susceptible to what the apostle Paul refers to as "deeds of the flesh" does not excuse me or give me license. Regardless of the reason, I have got to call these things what they are. Paul lists a variety of fleshly actions, but the ones particularly relevant to me right now are: "...enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissentions, factions, envying (Galations 5:20-21)..." My outbursts of anger are counter to the life to which God has called me. They are sinful. Period.

Here is what Paul says about this, which is good medicine for my soul (and as a reminder, not all medicine tastes sweet at the time, but can be good for healing the ailment at hand):

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement,"You shall love your neighbor as yourself..."

I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please... [Paul lists fleshly actions]...of which I forewarn you, just as I have forwarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by [follow] the Spirit.

~ Galations 5:13-14, 16-17, 21-25

Scripture says it: If I walk by the Spirit, I will not carry out the desire of my flesh. May I choose every day and in every circumstance, in increasing measure, to follow God's Spirit rather than my flesh.