Also called: emotional shifts
At 35 weeks pregnant, the emotional shifts you might be experiencing are often a complex interplay of significant hormonal changes, the growing anticipation of your baby's arrival, and the increasing physical demands of late pregnancy. While mood fluctuations are a nearly universal experience throughout pregnancy, this particular stage can amplify those feelings as the reality of labor and parenthood draws near.
The hormonal landscape of late pregnancy continues to play a significant role in emotional regulation. Beyond hormones, the mental load of preparing for birth and welcoming a new family member can feel substantial. You might find yourself cycling through moments of excitement, nervousness, and even a touch of overwhelm. Physical discomforts, common in the third trimester, also contribute to this emotional landscape. For instance, the increasing frequency of Frequent Urination at 35 Weeks Pregnant can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue that directly impacts your mood. As you move closer to birth, these physical changes continue, potentially affecting your emotional landscape into Frequent Urination at 36 Weeks Pregnant and even Frequent Urination at 37 Weeks Pregnant.
It's important to differentiate between typical emotional shifts and more persistent feelings of low mood, hopelessness, or anxiety. Research from sources like the BMJ and ACOG indicates that perinatal depression or anxiety affects 15–23% of pregnancies. If you find these feelings are more than passing waves, it's a valuable step to discuss them with your care provider. Screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), where a score of 13 or higher suggests a likely clinical concern, are often used to assess these feelings. ACOG recommends screening at least once prenatally and again at 1-month and 3-month postpartum visits to ensure ongoing support.
Untreated perinatal mood disorders carry potential risks for both the pregnant person and the infant. The good news is that evidence-based options like therapy and certain SSRIs, with sertraline being among the most studied, are available and effective. As a trained full spectrum doula, I offer practical wellness guidance and education to help you navigate these weeks with more clarity and confidence, but this is not medical care. You get to decide what feels right for you, and your care provider is your best resource for your specific health situation.
