WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Mood Swings in the Second Trimester

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Mood Swings in the Second Trimester
Mood swings during the second trimester of pregnancy refer to continued fluctuations in emotional states. Pregnant women might experience rapid shifts from joy to sadness or irritability, often without a clear trigger.
Is It Normal?
Yes, experiencing mood swings in the second trimester is normal.
While many women find this period more stable than the first trimester, hormonal and physical changes continue to influence emotional well-being.
Causes
The causes of mood swings in the second trimester include:
  • Hormonal Adjustments: The body continues to experience hormonal changes that can affect mood.
  • Physical Changes: Growing discomforts such as back pain, abdominal stretching, and changes in physical appearance can impact emotions.
  • Anticipation and Anxiety: As the reality of parenthood draws closer, feelings of anxiety or excitement can contribute to mood fluctuations.
  • Fatigue: Despite a possible increase in energy levels compared to the first trimester, ongoing fatigue can still affect emotional stability.
Percentage of Women Affected
A substantial number of women experience mood swings during the second trimester, though the severity and frequency may be less intense than in the first trimester.
Tips to Cope with Mood Swings
  1. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in moderate exercise can help stabilize mood and enhance overall well-being.
  2. Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can support emotional health.
  3. Adequate Rest: Continuing to prioritize rest and good sleep hygiene can mitigate mood swings.
  4. Support Networks: Maintaining open communication with supportive networks, including friends, family, and your partner, is crucial.
"It’s important to acknowledge these changes and not be too hard on yourself.”
When Should I Consult?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
  • Mood swings become severe or interfere with your daily life.
  • You experience persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety.
  • There is a significant impact on your relationships or ability to care for yourself.
  • You have concerns about your emotional well-being.
Top Asked Questions
  1. Will my mood stabilize in the second trimester? While many women experience a stabilization in mood, fluctuations are still normal.
  2. How can I manage feelings of anxiety about the upcoming birth? Educating yourself about the birthing process and discussing your fears with a healthcare provider can help.
  3. Is it normal to have sudden bouts of crying? Yes, it's common to experience sudden emotional releases due to hormonal changes.
  4. Can mood swings indicate a mental health issue? Persistent or severe mood swings may be a sign of a mental health issue and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Sources
  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Information on emotional well-being during pregnancy.
  • National Health Service (NHS, UK): Advice on managing mental health in the second trimester.
  • Journal of Affective Disorders: Research on mood fluctuations during pregnancy.
  • The Mayo Clinic: Guidelines for maintaining emotional health during the second trimester.
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R
Riley
17 May 2023

7 weeks today not really having any symptoms but sore breast and mood swings. Just wondering if that’s normal

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
D
Denise
I’m 6 weeks and I’m the same, except I’m not that moody just fatigue & I heard it’s normal
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ana
Yeah it’s normal should’ve seen me 7 weeks pregnant I was off the walls literally felt like I was going crazy 😭😭😭
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sunshine
3 May 2023

I’m 7weeks and this will be my second pregnancy. My oldest is 11. I really have mood swings already. I want to learn how to control them or what’s a good method of practicing peace while pregnant?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
D
Dianelys
Hii. So for me when I has mood swings on my past two pregnancies( bc I don’t have any in this one yet) what it worked for me was sleep more, listening to meditation podcasts, and giving my self some love. Also I told my husband that nothing was personal, it was just because of the hormones my change in mood and he understood and seeing his understanding helped me to have a better mood.
27 Mar 2024

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A
Abby
23 Mar 2023

I'm almost 13 weeks and I'm having extreme mood swings, like everything either makes me cry or angry. I know mood swings are normal but are they normal to this extent?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
K
Katie
Mines exactly the Same
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
Oh my gosh! Mine are so bad I feel so horrible for my BF….
27 Mar 2024

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R
Renasha Robbins
8 Jan 2023

I'm 12 weeks pregnant and for some reason this pregnancy is way different than my other one's I don't have much of an appetite I can't sleep to good at night and my mood swings are horrible I'm always irritated and it doesn't take much to make me mad smh I hope my second trimester is a lot better.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
4 comments
E
Erica
Prayers for u hunny it gets better for u and smoother 🙏
27 Mar 2024

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🍹Jenni
I’m sure 2nd trimester will be a breeze compared to the 1st!!!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Joselyn
7 Jan 2022

Is it okay to have a break from your partner in a relationship when he doesn’t want to understand that being pregnant brings a lot of mood swings? He’s going to be a dad for the first time and this will be my second child

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
0 comments
M
May
Have you tried talking to him first? What I learned in my relationship it took us two years to figure this out to I kid you not, sometimes they really don’t realize men are seriously dumb, you have to tell him. Maybe sit him down and talk to him? Tell him how you feel, he won’t feel what you feel psychically but at least confide with you in your emotions, if not then that’s his fault and he asked for the break.
27 Mar 2024

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M
May
I can relate, and I def need to let my mood swings chill because I went through the same thing with a major surgery too. And he treated me like shit, I remember one time he just told me to leave out of no where. Meanwhile I was literally bathing him and all. I hated him too after that.
27 Mar 2024

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