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Emotional Changes During Pregnancy

18 February 2026

The estrogen and progesterone hormones secreted in high levels during pregnancy have a direct impact on the brain neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine), responsible for regulating mood.

These hormones are responsible for the following potential phenomena during your pregnancy:

  • Extreme mood swings: Sharp transitions from joy to crying to anger, without apparent reason.
  • Sensitivity and vulnerability: A tendency to be more easily hurt by your environment.
  • Anxiety and concerns: Fear of labor, concerns for the baby's health and a lack of confidence in your ability to function as a mother.
  • Body image and identity: Difficulty adjusting to your evolving appearance and a change in self-identity.
  • Fatigue as an emotional factor: Sleep deprivation causes, among other things, difficulty handling stress and an increase in any negative feelings.
  • Concentration and memory: Feelings of confusion and forgetfulness (often called 'pregnancy brain') that characterize some pregnant women and lead to low mood and a lack of confidence.
  • Dreaming: The appearance of vivid dreams and fantasies, as part of subconscious processing of the upcoming change.
  • Social pressure: Socially, it seems that you have to be "happy at all times"; however, you do not always feel the way you think others expect you to.

It is important for you to know: Many women go through pregnancy with mixed emotions. These feelings are a natural part of pregnancy. You can feel both a strong desire for a baby, and a fear of losing your freedom and of the unknown.

Studies show that pregnancy is a 'transition period' (Matrescence) that parallels the intensity of adolescence. Pregnancy is a journey of deep transformation—not only of the body, but also of the mind, identity and relationships. One minute you are full of joy, and the next, you are in tears or feeling angry without knowing why.

These changes are caused by hormonal fluctuations triggered by increased estrogen and progesterone activity. These hormones, secreted in high doses during pregnancy, impact brain neurotransmitters. These substances – including serotonin, responsible for regulating mood and tranquility; dopamine, related to motivation; and norepinephrine, which affects your level of alertness – determine the brain's ability to regulate emotions. Additionally, the fatigue that characterizes pregnancy reduces the ability to regulate emotions and increases feelings of being overwhelmed. All of this creates fluctuations that are difficult to control.

Your body undergoes a massive physical transformation as each cell prepares for labor. The brain "requires" greater energy, which explains the mental fogginess and the increased sensitivity. This is a completely natural process where alongside the joy of pregnancy, complex emotions – such as anxiety and frustration—arise. All of this is perfectly normal in your adjustment journey in building your new identity as a mother-to-be.

Common emotions you may experience during pregnancy

  • Extreme mood swings: Hormonal changes affect the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Consequently, swift and unexpected emotional shifts can occur. For example, one moment you are laughing, and the next, you are crying for no apparent reason.

  • Sensitivity and vulnerability: A stronger-than-usual emotional reaction to words or events. For example, general criticism may feel like a personal attack.

  • Anxiety and concerns: Concerns for the baby's health, fear of labor pain, and doubts regarding parental competence. For instance, "will I know how to be a good mother?" "How will I get through labor?" There may also be clear physical signs of anxiety, such as muscle tension, a racing heart, shortness of breath, or sweating.

  • Body image and identity: Processing your evolving physical appearance and the realization that you are changing from being a daughter to becoming a mother. This transition often causes sorrow over the loss of your freedom and former identity.

  • Concentration and memory issues ('pregnancy brain'): Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion, and lack of focus during daily tasks can undermine your confidence and daily functioning.

  • Vivid dreams: Frequent vivid dreams and fantasies about labor, the baby or a loss of control reflect the subconscious processing of the changes ahead.

  • An increased need for support: Occasional feelings of loneliness, combined with a need for reassurance from your environment and your partner.

Coping with emotional overwhelm

Discuss the wide range of feelings you are experiencing with close friends, your partner, or with other women who are currently pregnant or have been in the past. Talk to the nurse at your HMO or to a pregnancy consultant. Sharing can ease the burden, and you will likely find that other women experience the same emotions. This will make you feel that you are not alone. 

This is an essential tool for relieving stress. At times, increased hormone levels can cause your emotions to surge, which is reflected in your relationship: from great closeness to your partner, to unexpected anger. It is important to talk about it  and to share your emotions and fears. Simply saying "I am so happy but also frightened" releases tension and strengthens your relationship. Do not try to conceal anything – sharing is power.

Physical exhaustion weakens your ability to regulate your emotions and increases mood swings. Your body needs a break, and you should allow yourself to rest.

Pregnancy can be an emotionally confusing time, and that is completely normal. Each woman's feelings are unique, and there is no 'right' way to feel or one single way to be a good mother.

Try to remember that this is a time of profound change. You do not have to be okay at all times; it is okay to be vulnerable. It is completely normal to feel sad because of the changes, and for the loss of the person you once were. Any process of growth has an aspect of fear and pain. It is essential that you allow yourself to feel whatever arises, without judgment. Simply be present with curiosity and compassion toward yourself.

Share with your prenatal nurse, the Tipat Chalav (Family Care Center) nurse, or your pregnancy care physician. They are familiar with these issues and can offer reassurance and guidance. They can also identify whether you require further professional support.

When to seek professional help

If you experience difficulties, distress, loss of appetite or persisting negative emotions lasting for more than two weeks, do not face this alone. If you feel helpless or if the prospect of the future and the thought of caring for your baby feel overwhelming, contact a healthcare professional to receive the support and tools you need to feel better.

Seeking help early can prevent further difficulties, strengthen your resilience, and protect both you and your baby.

Always remember

Always remember

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of responsibility.

Additionally, it is recommended to seek help in the following cases:

  • If your relationships do not feel supportive enough, or if you are in a stressful partnership.
  • If you experience recurrent intrusive thoughts or negative memories that you find difficult to bear, especially thoughts about self-harm or suicide.
  • If you experienced mental difficulties in the past, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-trauma, or bipolar disorder. These disorders may increase the risk of mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.
  • If you have experienced trauma or difficult life events. Occasionally, memories of these experiences can resurface during pregnancy or postpartum. Professional support can help you cope.

It is important for you to know

It is important for you to know

If you anticipate needing specialized mental health support during labor – whether due to trauma, medical concerns, or a lack of personal support, reach out to the delivery room in advance and let the medical team know. Most hospitals offer maternity wards with guidance, counseling and personalized care.

Where to turn for help