When Do Mood Swings Start in Pregnancy? What to Expect and How to Handle It Naturally
"One moment I was laughing, the next—I was crying over burnt toast."
That’s how my friend described her first trimester of pregnancy. At first, she thought something was wrong with her. But she soon discovered that emotional ups and downs were not only common during pregnancy—they were totally normal.
If you’re pregnant or supporting someone who is, you may be wondering:
When do mood swings actually start in pregnancy, and what can you do about them?
Let’s talk about it like two friends over coffee—no medical jargon, no judgment. Just real talk, backed by science and personal experience.🙌
Why Do Mood Swings Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy isn’t just a physical transformation—it’s a chemical and emotional one too.
When you become pregnant, your body starts producing huge amounts of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. These changes can mess with your brain’s mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine—just like PMS, but often more intense.
And it’s not just the hormones. Think about the emotional load:
Worries about your baby’s health
Shifting body image
Sleep issues
uncertainty about labor, finances, and relationships
All of this adds up—and can make even the calmest person feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster.
When Do Mood Swings Start in Pregnancy?
For most women, mood swings start early—usually in the first trimester, around week 6 to week 10.
Real example:
“My tears came out of nowhere during a car commercial at 7 weeks pregnant,” one mom shared with me. “I wasn’t sad. I just… cried. My husband thought I was losing it.”
The first trimester is the peak time because that’s when hormone levels spike the fastest. You may feel:
Sudden irritability
Crying without a clear reason
Overwhelming joy, followed by anxiety
Mood changes that catch you by surprise
The good news? For many women, this intense phase eases up a bit during the second trimester, often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy.
Do Mood Swings Come Back Later?
Yes, they can—and often do.
In the third trimester, mood swings may return as your due date gets closer. This time, the triggers are often more emotional and physical than hormonal:
Back pain
Poor sleep
Anxiety about labor and delivery
Feeling “done” with being pregnant
💠One mom told me:
“I was 35 weeks pregnant, barely sleeping, and I cried because we ran out of peanut butter. I knew it was silly, but I just couldn’t help it.”
Again—you’re not broken. You’re just going through something incredibly intense.
How to Handle Pregnancy Mood Swings Naturally
Let’s talk solutions. You can’t completely prevent mood swings, but you can manage them with some gentle lifestyle tweaks:
A. Prioritize rest and sleep
Tiredness makes everything worse. Nap if you need to. Don’t feel guilty about resting more.i will share here aPregnancy pillow just check it out its useful for you.
B. Eat balanced meals
Low blood sugar = low patience. Keep snacks on hand (nuts, fruit, yogurt). Hydrate too—dehydration can impact mood.
C. Talk it out
Whether it’s a friend, your partner, or a therapist—talk. Saying “I feel overwhelmed” out loud takes the pressure off.
D. Move your body
Light walks, stretching, or prenatal yoga can work wonders. It helps with mood, sleep, and even labor prep.
E. Journal or track your emotions
Writing things down helps you notice patterns. Sometimes, just acknowledging how you feel is enough.
When to Seek Extra Help
While mood swings are normal, some emotional changes might signal something deeper, like prenatal depression or anxiety. Don’t ignore:
Constant sadness
Panic attacks
Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Please reach out. Talk to your doctor, a counselor, or a support group. You are not alone, and help is available.
Tips for Partners and Family: How to Be Supportive
If you’re not the one pregnant—but you’re close to someone who is—here’s how to support them:
Don’t say “It’s just hormones.” (Even if it is.)
Be patient. Ask how you can help.
Offer food, hugs, or quiet time—whatever they need.
Remind them they’re doing an amazing job.
Sometimes just saying, “I’m here for you no matter what,” means the world.
You’re Growing a Human, Not a Robot
If pregnancy mood swings have taken you by surprise, you’re not alone. You’re not dramatic. You’re not weak. You’re growing a whole human—and that takes an enormous toll on your body and emotions.
So the next time you find yourself laughing at a meme one minute and sobbing over laundry the next, take a breath. You're doing just fine.
Pregnancy is a wild, beautiful, emotional ride. Honor it. Be gentle with yourself. And remember—you’ve got this.