During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, but did you know that pregnancy can affect you mentally as well?
Read on to learn more about the different ways that pregnancy can impact you mentally and emotionally. Or, if you’re looking to talk to someone about your pregnancy and find free support and resources, contact Empower Life Center today to schedule a confidential appointment.
Link Between Hormones and Mood
While many factors—like diet and physical health—can affect your mood and mental state, one of the primary dictators of your emotional landscape has to do with hormones.
Hormones are essentially “chemical messengers” that orchestrate different bodily functions, including mood and emotional responses.
During pregnancy, your hormonal composition and levels change drastically, and this abrupt fluctuation can cause you to experience a whirlwind of emotions and moods.
Mental and Emotional Effects of Pregnancy
Different stages of pregnancy can cause different mental and emotional effects.
In the first trimester, your hormones change at whiplash speed, which can take you off guard and cause you to feel:
- More moody than usual. If you’re crying one minute and laughing the next, this is totally normal and expected.
- Irritable or anxious. While pregnancy hormones can cause you to feel more stressed than usual, the added pressure of an unexpected pregnancy can add to this feeling as well.
- Mental fatigue. The physical fatigue that accompanies early pregnancy can cause you to feel mentally drained as well.
During the second and third trimesters, your moods will likely level out more compared to the first trimester. However, it’s common to still experience high-intensity emotions—especially when feeling stressed or tired.
You’re Not Alone
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, not to mention the emotions that can arise due to pregnancy hormones and life stressors. But you’re not alone in this. At Empower Life Center, we’re here for you.
We offer free pregnancy resources and information to help you feel supported and prepared. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.