How Does Crying During Pregnancy Affect A Baby And What Are Its Treatments?

Most women have a bitter-sweet relationship with pregnancy. Sweet because she feels blessed to bring a new life into the world and become a mother. But before we start, let us tell you that crying during pregnancy 3rd trimester is pretty normal and very common.

In today’s blog, we will not talk about the sweet parts of pregnancy. Instead, today, we will be focusing on the bitter (or sad) feelings that come with pregnancy. But what is the reason behind these sentiments, and how can crying affect your baby? That is the topic of discussion today!

How Does Crying During Pregnancy Affect a Baby?

Surveys reveal that pregnant women undergo a series of mood fluctuations throughout the day. Sometimes they are happy like never before, sometimes they are sad and tearful.

 If you talk with other pregnant ladies out there, you will know that most of them go through different emotional phases throughout their pregnancy. Continue reading to learn more!

What Are The Causes of Crying While Pregnant?

If you are someone who rarely cries, but now you cannot put a stop to your tears when pregnant, we get you because you are not alone! Even those women, who are naturally emotional, cry more during pregnancy. Hence, crying during pregnancy is a common issue for most. But have you ever wondered ‘why am I so emotional during pregnancy’? If yes, then think no more because we have got the answer. 

Crying During Pregnancy First Trimester 

As everybody is different, hormone fluctuations vary from one pregnant woman to the other. For instance, your friend who was pregnant last year might have had crying spells throughout her pregnancy. But on the contrary, you might be crying only during the 1st trimester.

Crying in the 1st trimester happens because there is a huge change in the hormone secretion of your body. There are higher progesterone and estrogen levels in your body during this time. This is the main reason why you might feel a lot of mood fluctuations, especially crying and irritability.

Also, pregnancy is no easy cup of tea. You might be either too overwhelmed by the news and can be crying happy tears, or you might be scared of what’s waiting for you and your baby in the future. Whatever it be, changing emotions during pregnancy, especially in 1st trimester, is quite common!

Crying During Second and Third Trimesters 

Your hormones are continuously shifting during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters as well. Hence, it is not abnormal to face a high wave of emotions during this time. As a matter of fact, it is seen that many pregnant women face anxiety issues due to hormonal imbalance. Due to this, they feel more agitated and emotional during pregnancy 2nd trimester.

It is not just the hormones to be blamed for crying during pregnancy, but also the thoughts that come to a pregnant lady’s mind. As your delivery date nears, you might be worried about how the surgery will go, how to manage the finances after the baby arrives, how to take charge of the nursery, and so on. These thoughts can easily panic you, and then again, you might start crying!

The emotional surge can be higher for those giving birth for the first time. It is because you do not know how the delivery process is expected to go, and also, you are adding on a new responsibility to your life for the first time ever. Therefore, it can be stressful, joyous, and tiresome all at the same time.

How Can Crying Affect Your Baby During Pregnancy?

Is too much crying during pregnancy bad for the baby? Crying occasionally during pregnancy is not that concerning. However, if you face severe crying spells leading to depression and anxiety, it might negatively affect your baby. It is often difficult to differentiate between normal crying and depression during pregnancy. But besides crying, there are a few other symptoms like difficulty in focusing, loss of appetite, irregular sleep patterns, suicidal thoughts, and so on that happen mostly during the depression.

Remember that you might get depressed during pregnancy, and chances are it will cure on its own. However, if the symptoms of depression last for more than two consecutive weeks, you must seek professional help.

Many would-be mothers wonder, ‘does my baby know when I’m crying when pregnant’? There are several pieces of research conducted on this, and experts have found that the fetus does get signals about how a mother is feeling (1). So when you are sad and crying, your baby in the womb probably knows it.

Prenatal Depression and Its Effects

Studies show that prenatal depression can negatively impact the baby’s birth weight. Not just that, but depression also gives rise to many premature birth cases. Besides these issues, depression might also make you neglect your health. If you stop taking care of yourself during pregnancy as a side effect of depression, then it will definitely harm your baby in many negative ways. We know that you love your baby and would never do anything to cause even the slightest discomfort to them, but these are the doings of depression and anxiety.

If this continues for a long time, you can also become prey to PPD or postpartum depression(2). This often affects the relationship between the mother and the newborn negatively. However, none of it is your fault. And if you ever feel any symptoms of depression, ensure that you contact your doctor right away because they can help you come out of depression before it affects your baby, you, or your relationship with the young one!

How To Treat Crying During Pregnancy?

Controlling the mechanisms of your body during pregnancy is neither possible nor healthy. However, there are a few natural and easy ways by which you can reduce crying spells effectively. Some of the most effective ways that you can try at home are:

Sleep Properly During Pregnancy

If you are not sleeping properly, your stress level will be boosted. Hence, most pregnant women must aim for at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep every day.

Spend Quality Time With Family During Pregnancy

Much of your stress will reduce if you spend quality time with your loved ones. Try to share your feelings with them, and we are sure they will be able to help you out and bring happiness to your life. 

Stay Active During Pregnancy

 We know that moving around with the baby bump can be difficult, but if you stay active, then delivering the baby will be much easier.  Try some easy yoga postures, or take your dog for a walk. These easy activities will help you stay active and healthy during pregnancy.

Read Pregnancy Quotes And Affirmations During Pregnancy 

Read crying during pregnancy quotes that are happy and motivating. Also, speak out affirmations to yourself throughout the day. These little things will have a positive impact on your overall mood. 

Get In Touch With Other Pregnant Women During Pregnancy Time

Talking with people in the same boat will help you gain confidence and stay motivated if you are 6 weeks pregnant and crying a lot. You can talk your heart out to them, share advice, talk about your pregnancy journey, experiences, and so on.

Connect With a Therapist During Pregnancy

If nothing works, you can anytime seek professional help from a therapist anytime. Make sure your therapist has experience in dealing with pregnant women and their issues.

Can Crying During Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage? 

Scientifically speaking, no! But yes, it can make your pregnancy miserable, which is probably the last thing you would want. Hence, try to stay away from depression and crying spells as much as you can. Instead, do things you love and stay happy regardless of what’s to happen in the future!

Final Verdict

Pregnancy is difficult, but you can make it less tiresome by staying happy. Yes, controlling hormones is next to impossible, due to which you might end up crying often. However, you can take the necessary steps to avoid depression during pregnancy. We have already shared a few tips above. Some other simple ways of staying happy during pregnancy are:

• Speak out affirmations to yourself throughout the day
• Read crying during pregnancy quotes that are happy and motivating
• Spend time planning how you will welcome the baby
• Make a list of names for the newborn on the way
• Pamper yourself with prenatal massage
• Enliven your mood with aromatherapy(3)
• Spend quality time with people you love
• Meditate regularly for staying calm
• Take classes for parenteral preparation with your partner
• Get in touch with a therapist who can help you stay happy at all stages of pregnancy

These are some proven ways of staying out of depression when pregnant. Of course, you can try your own methods, but the main goal here is to “Stay Happy “and prepare for the upcoming days with a smile on your face! 

Are you also suffering from crying spells during pregnancy, and if yes, how are you dealing with them? Do share with us!