It’s common to cry more during pregnancy, mostly due to hormonal changes. These shifts can affect brain chemicals that control mood, leading to emotional ups and downs. You might feel happy one moment and sad the next — and even small things like a commercial or spilled milk might make you cry. This is completely normal. While some home remedies can help, talking to a mental health professional can also be useful.
Why Do You Cry More During Pregnancy?
Crying during pregnancy is common, even if you’re not usually emotional. Here’s a simple breakdown of why it happens:
First Trimester:
Hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) surge, which can cause mood swings, irritability, and sadness. On top of that, pregnancy is a big life change — feelings of joy, fear, or anxiety can all bring on tears.
Second & Third Trimesters:
Hormones are still shifting, and your body is changing fast. Stress about everyday things, preparing for the baby, or fear of labor can all make emotions feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first baby or not, the pressure can trigger more crying.
When crying during pregnancy becomes a serious problem?
Crying during pregnancy is common due to hormonal changes, but it can also signal depression. Unlike normal mood swings, depression includes symptoms like loss of interest, appetite or sleep changes, guilt, trouble concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm. If these last more than two weeks, see your doctor.
Whether being depressed affect an unborn baby?
Occasional crying during pregnancy is normal and won’t harm your baby. But ongoing depression or anxiety may increase the risk of early birth or low birth weight.
Depression can make it harder to eat well, attend check-ups, or stay active — all of which are important for your baby’s health.
“Talking to your doctor will make you feel better”
It’s not your fault — depression is an illness, not a choice. The good news is there are safe treatments during pregnancy that can help.
Untreated depression can also raise the risk of postpartum depression, which can affect bonding with your baby. Talking to your doctor is the first step toward feeling better.
Here’s what you can do to boost your mood
Crying during pregnancy is common because of hormonal changes, but there are ways to feel better. Try to get 7–9 hours of sleep to avoid extra stress. Gentle exercise, like walking or swimming, can boost your mood—just check with your doctor first. Talk to other pregnant women or moms for support and advice. Don’t try to do everything at once; take things one step at a time. And if you’re feeling really down, talk to your doctor—some treatments, including safe medications, can help and may prevent postpartum depression later.
