Emotional ups and downs and moodiness during pregnancy are common to most pregnant women. It is believed that these mood changes are caused by hormonal changes
and the changes that must be made in the life of the pregnant woman. These emotions and feelings are often intense, varied, and unpredictable
Although each pregnancy is unique the following description provides a basic picture of common emotional changes of pregnancy.
During the first stage of pregnancy (the first 3 months) the woman's emotions are often unstable and feelings of depression are not
uncommon, often for no apparent reason. The pregnant woman experiences many mood swings, which are often extreme and seem to come out of nowhere. The woman may start to cry, or become angry,
fearful, or hurt all with little cause or no apparent reason at all.
The second stage of pregnancy (2nd trimester) is typically a little more calm than the 1st trimester. By this time the woman has begun to deal more effectively with her pregnancy
and the emotions involved. Often the woman will have more energy than she has had for a few months and her overall outlook tends to be more stable, positive, and predictable.
The final stage (months 7-9), and especially the last month or two, the pregnant woman's anxieties and fears may increase along with her physical discomfort. She may experience fatigue,
restlessness, and sleeplessness. Many women at this time feel very vulnerable to rejection, loss or insult, and they may feel "fat" and unattractive. It is very common for the woman
to be preoccupied with concerns and fears about labor and delivery, the pain and uncertainty involved, and concerns about the financial, medical and emotional future for her child.
After the child has been born many women go through a period called the "baby blues" or through period of true depression. Depression that occurs during pregnancy is called
perinatal depression while depression after pregnancy is called postpartum depression. Depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the depression is not recognized
or treated, because some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and are happening at the same time.
For information on depression during and after pregnancy, both of which are very common, and effective ways to treat depression, please visit Depression During and After Pregnancy. |