From the Research
During the second trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone levels, typically lead to mood stabilization and improvement for many women. This period is often called the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy because the dramatic hormonal fluctuations of the first trimester begin to level off, resulting in decreased mood swings and emotional volatility. Estrogen, which rises steadily during this time, can enhance feelings of well-being and boost energy levels by increasing serotonin and endorphin production in the brain, as suggested by the role of estrogen in modulating neurotransmitter systems 1. Progesterone, which also continues to increase, has calming and sedative effects that can reduce anxiety. However, these hormonal effects vary significantly between individuals - some women may continue to experience mood swings or develop pregnancy-related anxiety during this period. The body's growing adaptation to higher hormone levels contributes to the generally more stable emotional state, though other pregnancy factors like reduced physical discomfort, decreased worry about miscarriage, and feeling the baby move can also positively influence mood during this middle stage of pregnancy. A study examining the stability of mood states and biochemistry across pregnancy found significant correlations between mood states and biochemistry, including cortisol and depression, cortisol and anxiety, and epinephrine and anxiety 2. While the evidence on the direct impact of progesterone on mood during pregnancy is mixed, with some studies suggesting its use in treating postnatal mood disorders lacks robust evidence 3, the overall trend suggests that the second trimester is a period of relative mood stability for many women. Key factors influencing mood during this period include:
- Increased estrogen levels enhancing well-being and energy
- Progesterone's calming effects reducing anxiety
- Reduced physical discomfort and decreased worry about miscarriage
- The psychological impact of feeling the baby move It's essential to consider individual variability in response to hormonal changes and the potential for ongoing or developing mood disturbances in some women.