Many hormonal changes will take place in your body, affecting your brain chemistry and thus your emotions and moods. Additionally, body changes and potential pregnancy-related ailments, such as nausea, fatigue or back pain, can affect your mood. You may also suffer from irregular sleep or insomnia.
Your mood can also be affected by the changes in your life circumstances and adjusting to parenthood. You may feel insecure and worry about how you will be able to manage in your new role. Expecting a baby is also a major change for your partner if you have one, so monitor each other’s wellbeing and support each other.
All kinds of emotions are allowed during pregnancy and are often temporary. Pregnancy is not necessarily a happy period of anticipation – on the contrary, you may even find it to be a mentally taxing phase.
Pregnancy can bring back unpleasant childhood memories or activate previous mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Luckily, growing up into parenthood is also an opportunity for a positive change. As a parent, you can learn more tolerant ways of relating to yourself and your loved ones. You may also find new perspectives on difficult times in your life.
Maintain your mental health during pregnancy
You can affect your mood positively through basic things like light exercise, regular meals and sufficient rest.
Focus on things that give you gratification and enjoyment. Enjoyable activities, such as reading, listening to music or going out in nature, can help you relax and boost your mood. You can also try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or relaxation exercises to calm your mind.
Discuss your feelings with your potential partner, a friend, a loved one or other support person. Talking usually makes you feel better while also increasing mutual understanding regarding the situation.
You can try different courses and self-care programmes to help you analyse your thoughts and feelings, either by yourself or with a loved one.
If you feel down or depressed during pregnancy, talk to your maternity and child health clinic nurse. If necessary, they will refer you to other professionals, such as a maternity and child health clinic psychologist.
