Pregnancy will affect every woman differently. There are the hormonal changes that cause certain emotions, and then there are your own feelings toward your pregnancy.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, we can help. Schedule an appointment at Alpha Omega Center today!
In the meantime, here is a brief overview of what you might experience during pregnancy.
At the Beginning (First Trimester)
By the time you find out that you’re pregnant, your body has already begun producing hCG (a pregnancy hormone) and other hormones to sustain a growing pregnancy.
With this rise in hormones, you could experience early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, along with emotional symptoms such as moodiness, crying spells, and even mood swings.
The first trimester (Weeks 1 through 13) can be emotionally challenging if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy because you’re figuring out what to do next. This is a great time to visit Alpha Omega Center for free and confidential support.
You could feel excited, nervous, or another range of emotions.
In the Middle (Second Trimester)
By the time you are in the second trimester, you have likely already chosen parenting or adoption. If so, you are carrying your pregnancy to term.
Many women find the second trimester to be one of the best parts of pregnancy. Your early pregnancy symptoms tend to dissipate, and you start to feel more energetic.
You may have already adjusted to the idea of pregnancy, and at this point, you are less worried about the chances of miscarriage. You also have a while to go before you think about labor.
Toward the End (Third Trimester)
During the third trimester, you might begin to feel tired of being pregnant as your bump continues to get bigger. You might feel uncomfortable, and you can talk with your doctor about ways to find some relief.
This might be when the reality of parenting or adoption starts to sink in. You may begin to wonder about labor and have some fears, especially if it’s your first pregnancy.
One way to help ease your mind is talking with women who have gone through this before and listening to their experiences. You can also talk with your doctor about pain management or share your fears with a counselor or other support system.
After Delivery (Postpartum)
What goes up must come down. After pregnancy, your hormone levels will drop.
These hormonal changes can cause postpartum blues for many women. You could experience crying spells, mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, reduced concentration, appetite problems, and trouble sleeping.
Usually, these symptoms subside in a few days to a week or two. However, if the symptoms are more extreme and don’t go away within a few weeks, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about postpartum depression and potential treatment options.
There are also your own emotions you will feel, especially when you are looking forward to parenting. One actionable way you can work through these feelings is by signing up for our New Beginnings Program. This program offers parenting support, knowledge, and gives you the opportunity to earn baby items as you go.
After adoption, you may have some different emotions, such as feelings of loss and grief, but you will also know that your child is with a family who will provide a bright future.
Pregnancy Is an Emotional Time. We Can Help.
Pregnancy is full of ups and downs. Some of these are your thoughts and feelings, and others are your hormones elevating or decreasing based on your pregnancy’s needs. If you are ever struggling with your feelings and need someone immediate to speak with, you can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
During this time, support is so critical. We can help. If you think you might be pregnant, reach out to us for early pregnancy services and to talk with a caring staff member.
