Uncontrollable Laughing During Pregnancy: Causes and Coping

An Overview of Uncontrollable Laughing During Pregnancy

Laughing is generally considered a positive, enjoyable behavior. But for some women, excessive, uncontrollable laughter emerges as a bizarre symptom during pregnancy. Referred to as pseudocyesis or “pseudocyesis risibilis,” this unusual phenomenon can be alarming and disruptive.

Definition

Pseudocyesis risibilis specifically describes spells of frequent, intense, involuntary laughing or giggling during pregnancy when there is no obvious humor or stimuli provoking it.

Prevalence

Estimates suggest 1-5% of pregnant women experience frequent bouts of inappropriate, uncontrollable laughter. Cases likely go underreported due to women keeping it secret.

Onset

Uncontrollable laughing episodes typically begin during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, persisting on and off until delivery.

Characteristics and Symptoms

What do the frequent laughing/giggling spells feel like for expectant mothers affected by this condition?

Sudden Onset

The urge to laugh comes on very suddenly, without any funny thoughts or actual humor provoking it.

Intense Urge

The urge to laugh feels overpowering and impossible to resist, although some report trying to suppress it.

Inappropriate Situations

Laughter bouts erupt randomly including during solemn or serious moments making them seem out of place.

Prolonged Duration

Laughing jags can last up to several minutes before dissipating.

Weakness and Fatigue

The excessive laughing leaves women feeling exhausted and wiped out afterwards.

Other Pregnancy Issues

Women with pseudocyesis risibilis often have other pregnancy problems like nausea, backache, stress, and anxiety.

What Triggers Uncontrollable Laughing in Pregnant Women?

What causes this bizarre symptom if there is no actual humor or funny event before laughter eruptions? A few key factors may contribute.

Hormone Changes

Pregnancy involves elevations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and placental lactogen that can alter mood and behaviors.

Lightheadedness

Increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause sensations of lightheadedness some women report feeling right before a laughing spell hits.

Fatigue and Stress

Feelings of exhaustion and high anxiety/stress during pregnancy may help trigger sudden laughter bouts.

Social Coping Mechanism

Inappropriate laughing may serve as a release valve for underlying tensions and discomforts of pregnancy.

Brain Circuit Dysfunction

Overactivity between emotional and cognitive brain circuits could produce uncontrolled emotional expressions like laughter.

Is Uncontrollable Laughing During Pregnancy Dangerous?

Aside from being bizarre and socially embarrassing, could there be any risks from excessive laughing spells in expecting mothers?

No Direct Health Dangers

Unlike some pregnancy issues, laughing itself doesn’t endanger the mother’s or baby’s physical health.

Potential Indirect Risks

However, a few indirect risks include:

• Falling or injury from severe laughter-induced weakness
• Embarrassment deterring women from social support
• Stress impairing overall emotional health

Warning Sign of Other Concerns

Pseudocyesis risibilis may indicate mood disorders, relationships issues, or other stresses negatively impacting the pregnancy.

No Risk of Actual Harm to Baby

No evidence shows excessive laughing causes any adverse effects on the developing fetus or subsequent child development.

Treatments for Uncontrollable Laughing During Pregnancy

Which treatments help manage problematic laughing spells when expectant mothers feel they've become excessive or disruptive?

Reassurance and Support

Education that the condition is temporary and not directly harmful can provide reassurance. Support groups help women feel less alone.

Address Underlying Stressors

Counseling or mental health support can help develop coping skills for pregnancy-related stress contributing to laughter episodes.

Relaxation Techniques

Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or hypnosis therapies may help some women minimize laughter spells.

Medications in Severe Cases

For severe refractory cases, low dose tricyclic antidepressants or benzodiazepines could reduce laughing frequency.

Symptom Fades Post-Delivery

Regardless of interventions, almost all cases see uncontrollable laughing resolve completely within weeks after giving birth.

Coping Strategies for Moms-to-Be

Are there ways pregnant women can better manage annoying or embarrassing bouts of excessive laughter?

Avoid Triggers When Possible

Prevent episodes by getting plenty of rest, minimizing stress, and stabilizing mood.

Divert Focus

Try quickly thinking of or doing something to distract from the urge to laugh.

Distance Yourself

Excuse yourself from situations right before an episode hits if able to minimize social disruption.

Explain to Others

Letting loved ones know this is a recognized medical condition can help ease fears something is mentally wrong.

Keep a Sense of Humor

Accepting the condition with a positive attitude helps mitigate negative feelings like shame or isolation.

Take Time to Recover

Don't overexert yourself after spells pass. Replenish rest to recover from fatigue.

When to Seek Medical Assistance

In most cases, pseudocyesis risibilis resolves without medical help. But consult a doctor if:

• Laughing spells interfere with work, relationships, or activities
• They signal other underlying mood disorders or issues
• The urge to laugh feels completely unmanageable
• Symptoms last weeks post-delivery with no improvement

While annoying, uncontrollable laughing during pregnancy generally poses no major risks. Seeking support, avoiding triggers, and maintaining perspective can help women cope until it passes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.