Scared. Nervous. Overwhelmed. If you found out you’re pregnant, you’re likely feeling all these emotions and more. And all of these feelings are completely normal. 

During pregnancy, your emotions can seem bigger than normal due to pregnancy hormones, but your life situation can exacerbate your feelings as well. 

Read on to learn more about the different ways pregnancy might affect you mentally and what you can do about it.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Pregnancy Hormones

If you’re laughing one minute and crying the next, pregnancy hormones are likely to blame. During early pregnancy, the increased levels of hormones can cause you to feel especially moody—similar to the way you might feel more emotional during your menstrual period, but even more so. 

Feeling moody typically subsides during the second trimester of pregnancy, right around the time morning sickness usually eases. However, that emotional rollercoaster may ramp up again during the third trimester, as your hormones once again elevate in preparation for birth. 

Situational Anxiety

While heightened emotions are a normal part of pregnancy, you might also be feeling stressed or anxious as you contemplate the birth or becoming a parent. Maybe you’re worried about how you will handle childbirth, or you’re afraid of how you’ll adjust to life with a newborn. These feelings are completely understandable, and many moms-to-be—-even seasoned moms—-feel this way. 

However, if your worry or anxiety feels all-consuming, or if you’re experiencing the following warning signs, it’s important to reach out to a medical professional right away:

  • Change in eating habits
  • Sleeping more or less
  • Increased irritability 
  • Inability to concentrate

What Can I Do?

Pregnancy can cause you to feel many different things, but no matter how you’re feeling, it’s important that you know you’re not alone. Here at the Hope Clinic, we understand what you’re going through. Whether you need someone to talk to or free pregnancy resources, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment.