Pregnant and mood swings? Here’s what’s happening and how to deal with it

Why do pregnant women get so emotional?

It’s mostly due to hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone. These impact your brain’s neurotransmitters, making you more sensitive, tired, down, or easily irritated. It’s common in the first trimester, but can happen anytime.

Common feelings and thoughts:

• Worry about the birth
• Doubts: “Do I even want to be pregnant?”
• Irritation or anger toward loved ones
• Sudden crying, sadness or loneliness

These feelings are common and normal—but you don’t have to go through them alone.

What can help:

• Talk to your midwife. They’re trained to help you cope with emotions and worries during pregnancy.
• Open up to your partner or a friend. Simply saying how you feel can ease a lot.
• Keep a journal. A pregnancy diary is a good way to release thoughts and feelings.
• Rest! Lack of sleep and excessive stress make mood swings worse.
• Stay active. Gentle exercise and walks can help stabilise mood.

When to seek help:
If you feel constantly low, anxious, or completely joyless, talk to your midwife. You might be experiencing prenatal depression, which is more common than many realise and help is available.