Emotional roller coaster: How pregnancy hormones change behavior

Emotional roller coaster: How pregnancy hormones change behavior

On July 2, 2025, Kimberley Van Heiningen reports on her experiences during pregnancy, in which she lives with her husband Kevin and her two daughters, Norah (7) and Jackie (2). The third child awaits you in July. Their descriptions are characterized by emotional turbulence, which are reinforced by the hormonal changes during pregnancy. Kimberley describes itself as emotionally and easily attractable, which attributes to the hormones that they put back in a primitive state.

These emotional changes during pregnancy are not uncommon in many women. According to an article on scisimple.com, up to 15 % of pregnant women experience fear or depression. The physical and psychological changes are directly related to the fluctuations in sex hormones, especially estradiol, which increases dramatically during pregnancy and experiences a strong decline after birth.

emotional challenges

Kimberley expresses frustration about everyday problems, such as the insufficient availability of goods in business. She also notices that their emotional behavior has an impact on their children: Norah and Jackie Ahmen pursue negative behaviors, which presents Kimberley with the challenge of teaching them appropriate emotions and reactions.

The difficulties in emotion regulation during pregnancy are well documented. Research shows that pregnant women are less likely to use cognitive new evaluation strategies that could help control their feelings. This can lead to the fact that they tend to experience higher stress levels and are more susceptible to psychological problems, including postnatal depression, of which 10-20 % of women are affected after birth.

A look at research

A study that compared pregnant women with non -pregnant women showed that there were no significant differences in the emotion regulation between the groups. Nevertheless, the amygdala activity was higher in non-pregnant women, which was associated with less depression symptoms. In pregnant women, increased amygdala activity was associated with more depression. These results show the complexity of the emotional experiences of pregnant women and the challenges associated with emotion regulation.

Kimberley also brings up that their emotions are additionally reinforced by the summer heat. This makes it clear how different factors, both physically and emotionally, can influence the well -being of pregnant women. It is important to raise an increased awareness of emotional management during pregnancy to better support women who have a risk of fear or depression.

summarizing the experiences of Kimberley and the underlying research results illustrate the importance of emotional support during pregnancy. The hormonal changes and their effects on mental health require attention and understanding to help pregnant women in this sensitive phase.