Mount Auburn Hospital - Great Expectations

EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES during PREGNANCY

When you’re pregnant, your feelings and moods can change quickly. You may feel happy one minute, then suddenly burst into tears. Up-and-down mood swings are usually caused by physical and hormonal changes in your body. The perinatal period lasts through your pregnancy and up to 1 year after the baby is born. Roughly 1 in 5 pregnant people will develop a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) during this period. Fathers, partners, and even adoptive parents may also experience anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders after the baby is born.

14 Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy