During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, you may feel overwhelmed by your emotions. First you want to cry, then scream. Everything is annoying and you just want to sleep through it. Here’s what’s happening.
Hormones
You've probably already heard that hormones are to blame for everything. But we will tell you exactly how they work.
A lot of estrogen is released early in pregnancy. It is responsible for the formation of blood vessels in the uterus and placenta and the delivery of nutrients to the baby [1].
But estrogen also has side effects. For example, it affects serotonin concentration. This substance stimulates the transmission of signals along the nerve fibers, and it is also associated with a good mood and a feeling of happiness. When estrogen jumps, serotonin levels are also unstable, and this leads to swings in your emotions [2].
Progesterone, another pregnancy hormone, thickens the lining of the uterus and relaxes the muscles of the uterus [3]. Unfortunately, it also expands blood vessels throughout your body and lowers your blood pressure [4]. This can make you feel very weak and drowsy [5].
Some research suggests that progesterone can also increase anxiety. It activates the amygdala, a region of the brain that is responsible for feelings of anxiety and fear [6].
Physical sensations
However, it's not just hormones. At the beginning of pregnancy, the body behaves unpredictably. Nausea and vomiting, frequent urge to pee, heartburn, constipation, and strange taste sensations are all common in the first trimester. All this can be unnerving and just plain exhausting [7].
It’s kind of difficult to remain calm when you might feel like vomiting at any moment. Trying to be Zen-like throughout a business meeting or on the way to catch a plane when you are juggling all these pregnancy side effects is a challenge to say the least.
Anxiety
Pregnancy is stressful. It can raise worries about your body, possible complications, and childbirth. Pregnancy can also exacerbate problems in relationships with parents as well as bring up old familial traumas [8].
When you experience mood swings, it’s important to remember that they are normal. Be kind to yourself and practice your favorite form of self care.
