Second Trimester Mood Swings Are Real

Here's How to Deal Without Losing It

You've made it through the first trimester—maybe the nausea is easing up, and you're finally eating something other than crackers and ginger chews. You might even be feeling those first flutters of movement, which is exciting and surreal. But just when you think you've found your groove, in comes a wave of emotions you didn't see coming. One minute you're laughing at a meme, the next you're weeping over a cereal commercial. Or maybe you're finding yourself really irritated by your partner's chewing. Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster of the second trimester.

Even though many people say this is the "easiest" trimester, it's often misunderstood emotionally. Your energy may be better, your bump is showing, and you're getting used to being pregnant. But under the surface, a lot is shifting. Hormones are still rising, and now your brain is starting to grapple with the reality of what's ahead—birth, parenting, identity changes, relationship dynamics. It's not just mood swings—it's emotional recalibration. And that deserves attention and care.

Let's break it down—with a little logic, a lot of empathy, and yes, a handy list.

What's Actually Going On?

Hormone Highs: Estrogen and progesterone are peaking, which can mess with your serotonin levels—aka your mood regulators.

Body Changes: You're visibly pregnant now, which can bring body image issues, weird sleep, and discomfort.

Mental Load: You're prepping for a baby while still working, managing a home, or chasing a toddler (or all three).

Anxiety Kicks In: As things get more real, fears about labor, parenting, and everything might start creeping in.

Practical Ways to Stay Sane

1. Track Your Moods
   Use a simple app or notes in your phone. Patterns = power. It helps to see if things align with sleep, food, stress, or hormones. Plus, it's a great way to advocate for yourself in appointments if needed.
2. Build a Mini Mental Health Toolkit
   Think of this as your emotional first-aid kit. A few things to consider:
   • A go-to feel-good playlist
   • Peppermint or chamomile tea for calming
   • A short walk outdoors (fresh air really helps regulate mood)
   • A funny show, a podcast, or something you can tune into during tough moments
3. Say No Without Guilt
   You're growing a human. You do not need to attend every brunch, baby shower, or Zoom call. Set boundaries and honor your energy. Learning to protect your time now is great practice for parenting.
4. Talk About It
   Whether it's a therapist, a close friend, or your partner—verbalizing the overwhelm lightens it. Many moms-to-be feel pressure to be grateful 24/7. But both gratitude and struggle can exist at once. Normalize talking about the hard parts.

5. Watch the Self-Talk
   If your inner voice is saying things like "You're being dramatic" or "Get over it," shut it down. Replace it with: "This is a lot, and I'm doing my best." Try journaling or using affirmations to build that gentler inner dialogue.
6. Create a Low-Key Ritual
   Chloe-style hack: Pick one tiny daily habit that brings you back to center. Maybe it's journaling a sentence before bed. Or lighting a candle while you scroll (mindfully!). Rituals build consistency, and consistency builds calm.
7. Ask for Help (Even If You Think You Shouldn't)
   This is the perfect time to practice the skill of delegating. It doesn't make you weak—it makes you smart. Whether it's outsourcing dinner, asking your partner to take on more, or hiring a therapist, help is healthy.

Real Talk: You're Not Broken

If you're feeling moodier than a tween on TikTok, you're not broken. You're pregnant. And hormones don't ask for permission to mess with you. Anxiety and tears in this trimester are common—and they don't mean you're failing.

You don't need to fix every feeling. You just need some tools, a few supportive humans, and the reminder that this is a phase. A wild, emotional, sometimes beautiful phase. It's okay to feel all of it.

Registry Regret Moment: I spent $70 on an aromatherapy diffuser to calm my vibes. It now lives in my closet. A lavender rollerball worked better and cost $6. Learn from me.

Quick Recap Checklist:

• Track your moods
• Have a go-to calming routine
• Say no more often
• Let yourself feel things
• Ask for help
• Skip overpriced "soothing" products (unless you love them)

You've got this, even when it feels like the tears won't stop.

Tag your fellow second trimester warriors and share the hacks!