Why do you cry in pregnancy?

Komal Chaudhary
Mar 24
3 min read

Updated: Mar 25

If you’re pregnant and finding yourself overwhelmed with emotions, you’re not alone. Pregnancy hormones have a powerful impact on your brain and emotions, often leading to mood swings and unexpected tears. One moment you’re happily watching your favorite show, and the next, you’re sobbing uncontrollably because a puppy on screen looked too cute.

Let’s break down why pregnancy hormones make you cry and how to manage these emotional waves.

Role of Pregnancy Hormones in Mood Swings

During pregnancy, your body undergoes a massive hormonal shift to support your growing baby. These changes significantly impact brain chemistry, leading to heightened emotions. The key hormones responsible for your rollercoaster feelings include:

1. Estrogen: The Mood Regulator

Estrogen levels increase up to 100 times during pregnancy.
It enhances serotonin (the “happy hormone”), but sudden shifts can lead to mood instability.
High estrogen levels can make emotions feel intense, causing both joy and sadness.

2. Progesterone: The Calming (Yet Overwhelming) Hormone

Progesterone rises rapidly in early pregnancy to maintain the uterine lining.
It has a sedative effect, which may cause fatigue and irritability.
When progesterone fluctuates, it can result in unexpected emotional outbursts.

3. hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): The Pregnancy Marker

This hormone is detected in pregnancy tests and supports the early development of the embryo.
Rising hCG levels can contribute to morning sickness and emotional sensitivity.

4. Oxytocin: The Love & Cry Hormone

Known as the bonding hormone, oxytocin prepares your body for labor and breastfeeding.
It also increases emotional sensitivity, leading to happy tears and deep emotional responses.

5. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Pregnancy naturally raises cortisol levels to help your body adapt to pregnancy stress.
Higher cortisol levels can make you more reactive to emotions.

Reasons Behind Pregnancy Tears

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that up to 50-70% of pregnant women experience mood swings, especially in the first trimester.
Research from Harvard Medical School shows that hormonal surges in pregnancy alter the amygdala, the brain’s emotion center, making women more emotionally responsive.
A 2019 study on maternal health revealed that women are more sensitive to emotional stimuli during pregnancy, meaning small triggers can result in heightened emotional reactions.

When Do Pregnancy Mood Swings Peak?

First Trimester: Hormones rise sharply, leading to increased sensitivity, anxiety, and mood swings.
Second Trimester: Many women experience a mood uplift due to stabilized hormones.
Third Trimester: Emotional responses become intense again due to oxytocin and cortisol surges in preparation for birth.

How to Manage Pregnancy Mood Swings & Emotional Tears

Prioritize Rest: Sleep deprivation worsens mood swings. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Stay Active: Gentle exercise (like prenatal yoga) helps regulate hormones and boosts serotonin.
Eat Hormone-Friendly Foods: Include Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts) and magnesium-rich foods (bananas, spinach) to stabilize mood.
Communicate Openly: Let your partner, friends, or a support group know how you’re feeling.
Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Deep breathing, mindfulness, and journaling can help regulate emotions.
Consult a Specialist: If mood swings feel overwhelming, talk to a Kind Fertility expert for guidance.

When to Seek Help?

Mild mood swings are normal, but if you experience:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Loss of interest in daily activities
Difficulty bonding with the pregnancy

You may be experiencing prenatal depression or anxiety, which affects 10-15% of pregnant women. Professional support can make a significant difference.

Pregnancy is a beautiful yet emotionally intense journey. Hormonal changes are a natural part of preparing your body for motherhood, but understanding them can help you navigate the ups and downs more smoothly. If you’re struggling with mood swings, remember—you’re not alone, and support is always available.

Want to track your pregnancy hormones and emotional well-being? Book a consultation with Kind Fertility today!