This blog was medically reviewed by Kathrine Simon, DNP, ARPN, CNM, FACNM, Allina Health midwifery program manager.
Pregnancy is a journey that can bring you immense joy while also being tiring and sometimes emotional. These pregnancy emotions are OK; it’s all part of the journey.
We talked with Kathrine Simon, DNP, ARPN, CNM, FACNM, Allina Health Midwifery Program Manager, about navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy emotions. In this blog, we will provide you with insights into the hormonal impacts of pregnancy and practical advice for emotional and mental health.
We will talk you through many different topics regarding understanding and navigating your pregnancy emotions, including:
Find a provider to ensure your child’s health with a caring, and experienced physician.
Is being emotional a symptom of pregnancy?
Expectant parents often experience emotional changes during pregnancy, and many consider these changes a symptom. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, play a significant role in affecting mood and emotions.
It’s important to note that every person experiences pregnancy differently, and emotional responses can vary widely. Some may feel overwhelmingly joyful and excited, while others may encounter periods of anxiety or sadness. Every emotional experience holds validity and deserves acknowledgment as part of the journey toward parenthood.
Common reasons for pregnancy emotions
It is normal to have intense emotions during pregnancy. When these strong emotions hit, it can sometimes feel like mood swings during pregnancy. There can be many reasons for these emotions, but some of the more common ones are hormones, body and body image changes, stress and fatigue.
Each pregnancy journey is different, and you may experience some or all of these. They also may collectively impact your emotional well-being making you feel moody or depressed during pregnancy.
Connect with other expecting families at support groups in person and online during every stage of pregnancy.
Hormones
During pregnancy, your body experiences significant hormonal shifts to support the growth and development of your baby. These hormonal changes can have an intense impact on your emotions, including having mood swings during pregnancy and sometimes, people even feel angry when pregnant.
Specifically, pregnancy often fluctuates your estrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormones influence your serotonin and dopamine levels which regulate your mood. As a result, you may find yourself experiencing mood swings in pregnancy, increased sensitivity, or even heightened emotions such as joy or anxiety.
Body and body image changes
Your body undergoes remarkable transformations during pregnancy, including weight gain, changes in posture, changes to your skin and more. These physical changes can sometimes trigger emotions about body image and self-esteem.
How you feel is completely personal. Some expectant parents may feel proud and awe-inspired by their body’s ability to nurture life, while others may struggle with feelings of insecurity or discomfort. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal and part of the journey of pregnancy.
Stress
Pregnancy can be a time of excitement, but it can also bring stress about financial concerns, relationship adjustments or worries about childbirth and parenting.
When you’re pregnant, your body can heighten its stress response system, including cortisol levels. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, mood swings or irritability during pregnancy. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise and seeking support from loved ones or health care providers can mitigate these emotional changes during pregnancy.
Fatigue
Pregnancy often bring fatigue or exhaustion for many reasons including changing hormones, difficulty sleeping, stress and more. When you are exhausted, it can further heighten your feelings and make you feel emotional while pregnant.
Mood swings for a pregnant woman are very normal, especially when you are tired. Taking time to rest, prioritize sleep and maintain a healthy diet can help alleviate fatigue-related emotions and support overall emotional well-being during pregnancy.
Read more articles offering guidance for your growing family from The Mother Baby Center blog.
Emotional changes throughout pregnancy
Throughout each stage of your pregnancy, there may be a wide array of emotions. The rollercoaster of emotions that accompanies each trimester reflects the incredible transformations happening within your body.
Below, we will discuss what mood changes in pregnancy you may experience during each trimester.
First trimester
The first trimester is a period of immense change and adjustment. It can bring on a lot of early pregnancy emotions and first-trimester mood swings. Emotionally, many people experience a whirlwind of feelings as they come to terms with the reality of being pregnant and oftentimes can feel very emotional in early pregnancy.
- Excitement: Many people feel excited about the journey ahead with their new baby.
- Anxiety: It’s also normal to feel some anxiety about the journey ahead, especially for first-time parents.
- Overwhelmed: With all of the changes in your life during this time, including mood changes in pregnancy, you may start to feel overwhelmed – that’s normal! To help you get a grasp on all the to-dos you may feel you have to do, take a look at our first-trimester checklist.
Second trimester
As you enter the second trimester, many people experience a welcome reprieve from the intense emotions of early pregnancy. That said, some people do continue to feel anxious or stressed about the road ahead. It’s always important to remember, that no matter how you’re feeling, it’s your journey and your emotions are real and understandable.
- Increased stability: Often referred to as the “honeymoon phase,” this trimester is marked by a newfound sense of stability and well-being.
- More balanced emotions: Hormonal fluctuations tend to level off, leading to a more balanced emotional state for most expectant parents.
- Continued anxiety and stress: While some pregnant people start to have less pregnancy irritability in the second trimester, some still experience worry and stress as the pregnancy progresses.
Third trimester
The third trimester starts the countdown to childbirth and the culmination of your pregnancy journey. Preparing for childbirth can also evoke even stronger emotions. Fear of the unknown, coupled with excitement about the impending arrival, is perfectly normal.
- Anticipation and excitement: As your due date gets closer, you may start to feel anticipation and excitement to meet your new little one.
- Occasional impatience: You have been pregnant for a long time, it’s normal to feel a pang of impatience as your due date approaches.
- Apprehension: While people may feel excited about what is to come, some may be nervous about the birthing process.
Postpartum
After having your baby, the postpartum recovery period can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You will feel joy about your new arrival but may also have baby blues, postpartum depression or anxiety.
- Joy and elation: Many people experience joy and elation after welcoming their new baby into the world.
- Sadness or baby blues: New parents may experience mood swings, tearfulness or feelings of sadness within the first few days to weeks after childbirth. People often refer to this as the baby blues and believe it relates to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the adjustment to a new routine.
- Fatigue and exhaustion: Postpartum fatigue is common due to disrupted sleep patterns, physical recovery from childbirth, and the demands of caring for a newborn around the clock. Fatigue can contribute to emotional ups and downs and make it challenging to cope with everyday stressors.
- Postpartum depression: All of your hormonal fluctuations after birth can stir up mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability and sometimes depression. If you are feeling extremely sad, anxious or depressed, you must talk with your health care provider about it.
Learn more about the 4th trimester and how to support your baby’s development and growth.
Coping with pregnancy emotions
Throughout all trimesters, understanding and navigating pregnancy emotions requires patience, self-awareness and open communication. Here are some tips to help you cope with the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy:
- Talk to your partner, family members or birthing team: It’s important to utilize the support near you, like talking with your partner. Simply sharing your emotions and feelings can help alleviate some of your stress or worry. You might also learn that others have similar feelings, helping you to not feel so alone. Your team might also have some tips to share.
- Join online or in-person support groups: Another option for coping with pregnancy hormones and mood swings is to join an online or in-person support group.
- Exercise: Finding ways to exercise that you feel comfortable is a great way to help you cope with your mood changes in pregnancy.
- Speak to your provider: If you’re struggling with overwhelming emotions or mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your health care provider for support.
- Professional counseling: Your health care provider may recommend seeing a professional counselor to help with moodiness in pregnancy.
- Meditation and mindfulness: When you’re feeling emotional while pregnant, two ways to help cope would be to try meditation and mindfulness. There are many free resources available online to get you started.
Experience holistic care through every stage of pregnancy at The Mother Baby Center
We hope this blog has helped you better understand all of the emotions that can come with pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women and mood swings are very common and normal, there is nothing to be ashamed about.
The Mother Baby Center offers you expert care and maternal-fetal specialty services to bring you the best possible care for you and your little one. If you are an expecting parent, learn more about the three convenient Mother Baby Center locations we have available across the Twin Cities metro area.