How Hormonal Changes affect Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most transformative experiences in a person's life—not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well. While the growing belly and physical discomforts get plenty of attention, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy is regularly chalked up to "just hormones." But what does that actually mean?
Let's take a closer look at how hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact mental health—and why understanding this connection is key to supporting expecting parents.
The Hormonal Shift: What's Going On?
A person's body undergoes an incredible hormonal transformation from the moment pregnancy begins. Some of the key hormones that dramatically increase include:
Estrogen – Levels rise steadily, peaking in the third trimester.
Progesterone – Levels rise to help support the pregnancy and prepare the body for labor.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – Produced by the placenta, this hormone is responsible for early pregnancy symptoms like nausea.
Cortisol – The stress hormone, which naturally increases to help the body cope with pregnancy and prepare for labor.
These hormonal surges are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Still, they can also impact neurotransmitters in the brain—chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—that regulate mood, sleep, and stress response.
Emotional Highs and Lows: What to Expect
While every pregnancy is different, many people experience some emotional fluctuation. This can include:
Mood swings – Going from joyful to weepy in minutes can be disorienting but is quite common.
Anxiety – Worries about the baby, body changes, or parenting can feel overwhelming.
Sadness or depression – Persistent low mood, loss of interest in usual activities, or feelings of worthlessness should never be ignored.
Irritability – Sleep deprivation, discomfort, and stress can make tempers short.
It's important to differentiate between typical hormonal mood changes and more serious mental health conditions like perinatal depression or anxiety, which may require professional support.
Who's Most at Risk?
While hormonal changes affect everyone to some degree, some people may be more vulnerable to their psychological effects:
Those with a history of mood disorders (like depression or anxiety)
People experiencing high stress, trauma, or lack of support
Those with unplanned or complicated pregnancies
People with thyroid issues or other hormonal imbalances
Awareness of these risk factors can help you or your healthcare provider monitor your mental well-being throughout pregnancy.
The Brain-Pregnancy Connection
Recent studies suggest that pregnancy can change brain structure, particularly in areas related to empathy, social cognition, and emotional regulation. These changes may help parents bond with their baby, but they can also intensify emotions.
It's not "all in your head." Your brain is literally rewiring itself to prepare for parenthood.
Supporting Mental Health During Pregnancy
1. Talk About It
Normalize conversations about mental health during pregnancy. Talk to your partner, doctor, midwife, or therapist about your feelings.
2. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition
A tired, undernourished body is more susceptible to mood swings and anxiety. Sleep, hydration, and nutrient-rich meals can help stabilize mood.
3. Stay Connected
Social support is a powerful buffer against stress. Contact friends, join a prenatal class, or find a support group.
4. Seek Professional Help
If emotional distress is persistent or disruptive to your daily life, therapy or medication may be necessary—and completely safe options exist during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary change, and hormonal shifts are a natural part of that journey. But when these changes start to affect your mental health negatively, it's time to take it seriously. You deserve support—not just for your baby's health but for your well-being, too.
Your mental health matters every bit as much as your physical health.
If you're struggling, see if one of our providers would be a good fit for you and reach out to make an appointment today. Drew and Rachel have specialized training and experience in navigating mental health challenges during and after pregnancy.