Several hormonal and physical changes can cause crying in pregnancy. These changes bring a lot of stress to women, and some women may find it more difficult to cope with stress than others. Pregnancy can be overwhelming and lead to mood swings and make you cry. While crying does not have significant side effects for most pregnant women, excessive and persistent crying during pregnancy may indicate other underlying mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Read on the post as we discuss the causes, side effects, and management of crying during pregnancy.
What Are The Causes Of Increased Crying In Pregnancy?
The following causes could lead to crying in pregnancy:
1. Hormonal changes
Increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone can make a pregnant woman experience strong emotions and make them tearful often. Once the body adapts to the fluctuating hormonal levels, the emotions may settle down. However, some women may continue to undergo emotional ups and downs throughout the pregnancy (1).
2. Mood swings
Physical stress, fatigue, changes in metabolism, and hormones can cause many mood swings in pregnant women. They are more common in the first trimester, between six and ten weeks. These mood swings may reappear in the third trimester (2).
3. Stress
Stress arising from the thoughts of labor, childbirth, childcare, finances, etc., can cause stress at any stage of pregnancy and is more common with the first child. It may lead to crying during pregnancy (3).
4. Physical changes
The following physical changes could make an expecting mother tearful:
Skin changes such as stretch marks could make it difficult for some women to accept the changes in their bodies.
Discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea or vomiting during the first trimester (or throughout the pregnancy), sleep disturbances, frequent urination during the night, and exhaustion of carrying excess weight could trigger crying spells.
5. Emotional moments
Some examples of emotional situations that could make an expectant mother cry include:
Watching an emotional scene in a movie or a TV show.
Going through the photographs of a young baby or parent-child relationships.
Watching videos of baby animals in trouble.
Witnessing the precious pregnancy milestones such as seeing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, seeing the baby on an ultrasound, or feeling the baby’s kick can make it difficult for you to hold back your tears.
People commenting on your womb being too small or too big, on your changed appearance in pregnancy, or about how having a baby will change your life, career, and relationship with your spouse may bring an expectant mother in tears.
During the second trimester, some women may no longer fit in their regular clothes but are still small for their maternity clothes. Having no good clothes to wear during important social events or official meetings may leave a woman in crying spells.
Going past your due date and not having any signs of upcoming labor can make a pregnant mother feel impatient and frustrated.
When Is Crying During Pregnancy A Serious Problem?
While crying and emotional breakdowns during pregnancy are not uncommon, in some cases, crying may also be a symptom of a serious underlying mental condition such as depression. Depression in pregnancy is called perinatal depression. It is one of the common pregnancy conditions and may affect about one in seven women. The signs and symptoms of depression include (4):
Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Restlessness Moody behavior Excessive crying or crying most of the time Feeling guilty or worthless Having self-harm or suicidal thoughts Changes in appetite
Problems with decision-making, focusing, or remembering things Loss of interest in activities that you liked earlier Withdrawing from friends and family Losing interest in things that were liked previously Feeling weak, tired, and lethargic most of the time Complaining of headache, stomachache, or other pains that do not go away.
Inform your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms and get the necessary help.
Can Crying And Depression Affect An Unborn Baby?
While occasional crying does not cause any adverse effects on the developing baby, depression during pregnancy may have harmful effects on the developing baby. Depression in pregnancy may increase the risk for the following (4).
Premature birth
Babies born small for their gestational age (SGA).
Babies born with low birth weight (less than five pounds eight ounces).
Babies may exhibit behaviors such as increased irritability, reduced activity levels, reduced attention, and lesser facial expressions.
Babies may experience learning difficulties, behavior problems, developmental problems, and mental health conditions after they grow up.
Mothers suffering from depression may not pay attention to their nutrition and prenatal checkups. It may cause an impact on the baby’s growth and development.
While occasional crying does not harm the mother or the child, a study performed on a small group suggests that negative emotions or life events will increase the pregnant woman’s risk for miscarriage (5).
How To Cope With Crying Spells During Pregnancy?
The following tips may help you manage the crying episodes during pregnancy.
Get enough sleep
Little or insufficient sleep can increase stress and make you cry more often.
Indulge in permissible physical activities
Gentle exercises can boost your mood and energy. A brisk walk, swim session, a low-impact aerobic class, yoga sessions, etc., can help improve your mood and happiness levels. Exercising reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. However, the doctor may ask you to stop doing exercises in some health conditions (6).
Talk to other pregnant mothers
Doing so can help you feel that you are not alone. It may ease your fears and apprehensions associated with pregnancy. Local or online mom support groups can help you share each others’ experiences, personal stories, advice and provide you with the needed emotional support.
Do not overwhelm
Do not overburden yourself by preparing the baby essentials before they arrive. Let your friends and family members help you. Excessive mental pressure can cause fatigue, frustration, guilt, and eventually crying episodes.
