It’s important to look after your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy just as your physical health. If you are mentally healthy, you will be in the best position to manage the challenges of pregnancy and life with a new baby.
It’s normal to have some worries and fears about what’s coming when you’re pregnant. Pregnancy itself can be stressful. Coping with hormonal and physical changes, may leave you feel stressed about things such as antenatal tests. You may feel especially worried you’ve had a bad experience before, such as a miscarriage.
For these reasons, pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing a mental health condition.
Mental Issues during Pregnancy:
Both partners can experience mental health conditions during the pregnancy (the ‘antenatal’ period), as well as after the birth (the ‘postnatal’ period).
For some people, pregnancy can lead to conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder (less common)
Up to 1 in 10 females and 1 in 20 males experience antenatal depression.
Certain factors can put you at greater risk of developing anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Like:
- A previous mental health condition
- Feeling that you don’t have enough support
- Poing through a hard time, such as in your relationship
- Past or current abuse of any sort
- Problems with drugs or alcohol
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be ashamed about it.
Managing mental wellbeing during pregnancy:
There are things you can do to help manage your mental health and well-being during pregnancy.
- Don’t expect too much of yourself – be realistic about what you can do; rest when you need to.
- Try not to make major changes at this time, like moving house or changing jobs, unless you have to.
- Keep physically active (check with your doctor or midwife before you start an exercise program).
- Eat regular, healthy meals.
- Spend time with people who make you feel relaxed and good about you.
- Avoid using drugs or alcohol to deal with stress.
- Make connections with other expectant parents so you can support each other.
- Accept help if it’s offered to you; ask for help if you need it.
Time to Take Action:
It’s a good idea for all expectant parents to monitor their mental health and well-being. Keep a lookout for signs that you may need help and be ready to take action if you need to.
While pregnancy has its ups and downs, it’s time to seek advice from a health professional if:
- You’ve felt consistently bad (for example, if you feel sad or worried) for longer than 2 weeks
- Negative thoughts and feelings are starting to affect your ability to function normally
- You’re showing signs of depression, such as losing interest or feeling hopeless or unable to cope
- You feel anxious or worried most or all of the time
- You start having panic attacks or develop obsessive or compulsive behavior.
The most important thing is to talk about it – tell the health provider managing your pregnancy about your mental health condition. And tell your mental health care provider that you’re pregnant. Together, they can help you manage your pregnancy and your mental health.