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Emotional Changes During Pregnancy and Beyond

by by April, C. Sanchez
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Q I am going through my first pregnancy and I am worried about the emotions I will be experiencing.

A Congratulations on your first pregnancy! Everyone experiences different emotions as they go through pregnancy. The initial reaction to a positive pregnancy test varies from joy and excitement to indifference, disappointment, anger, and/or fear.

Obviously, this depends to some extent on whether it was a planned pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, it is common to have more extreme emotions and many women will cry much more easily than in the non-pregnant state. I believe this is due in part to the hormonal changes in your body and in part to physical factors such as fatigue, nausea, and a constantly changing body. While some crying spells are normal, you should alert your doctor if you feel the crying is uncontrollable or if feelings of sadness are overwhelming.

Emotional changes are also common in the post-partum state. About 40% of women will experience an initial indifference when holding their baby for the first time. This is more often seen after a painful labor experience or after using certain drugs during labor. This resolves within a matter of a day or so, and the new mother then forms a bond with the baby. Up to 50% of women have some post-partum "blues". Characteristically, these women experience fatigue, tearfulness, difficulty concentrating, and depressed mood. There are no risk factors for the "blues" and resolution usually takes about a week to ten days. A small percentage of women will experience a major depressive disorder in the post-partum period. This is when feelings of depression or loss of interest are present daily for at least two weeks. The depression is accompanied by appetite changes, insomnia, fatigue, feelings or worthlessness, thoughts of death, and/or rejection of the infant. Less severe depression may respond to psychotherapy; however, medication is usually necessary for a period of at least six months.

The main thing to keep in mind as you go through your pregnancy and beyond is that while some mood fluctuations are normal, anything which seems extreme to you should be discussed with your doctor.

April C. Sanchez, M.D.

Click here to Ask Dr. Sanchez your pregnancy questions.

Dr Sanchez lives with her husband and two boys ages 6 and 2 in Mandeville, Louisinana. She is a Board Certified OBGYN with a dregree from Louisiana State University Medical School. She completed her residency through the Tulane University Medical School Residency Program. She also received a Surgical Excellence Award.

Total Woman Care

She is now practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology at Total Woman Care, in Manderville, Louisiana. The Total Woman Care website, (http://www.totalwomancare.com) is an "Advanced" Obstetrics and Gynecology Practice that cares and provides for the needs of women with total Compassion, Empathy, and Understanding. Dedicated to Provide Obstetrics and Gynecology Related Information for the Women of West St Tammany Parish.

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Jeremy Oct 18, 2012 10:42:21 AM ET

My girlfriend is pregnant and im not sure what to do its her 3rd baby but itll be my first. idk what to do

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