One minute you're laughing hysterically … and the next, you're crying a river of tears. What is going on? you wonder (and your partner probably does, too). The sharp hormonal fluctuations necessary to help develop the baby are kicking your emotions all over the map — and the discomfort of an expanding belly just seems to add to the misery.

With all that's going on, it's important to realize that all of this will eventually pass. Mood swings are, quite thankfully, temporary as the body adjusts to its changes. Crying jags are normal, as are worries about your baby's development and the impending birth experience. Your partner should read some materials about changes in mood so that he better understands what's going on — and doesn't add to the stress by reacting emotionally.

Try to Minimize Stress

Since your body is already under a lot of stress, it only makes sense that your emotional life may be impacted as well. Still, you should do everything possible to minimize stress, since it can negatively impact your baby's development and potentially even cause a miscarriage.

Several studies show that there's a correlation between high stress levels or marital discord and postpartum depression. Keep it cool and you'll be thankful long after the baby's born! Also, increased stress hormones have been linked to preterm labor and low birth weight — more good reasons to take better care throughout your pregnancy.

There are many ways to help keep stress levels to a minimum. Practicing good stress-management techniques such as prayer, meditation, breathing and relaxation exercises, and even visualization, can help you achieve and maintain a sense of emotional equilibrium. Not only that, but they have the added bonus of being able to help you get through labor as well!