Pregnancy and your mental health

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very exciting time. But it can also leave you feeling uncomfortable, unwell or worried, and wondering how you are going to cope. And those feelings don’t always stop when the baby arrives.

Some parents find it easy to adjust to life with a new baby, while others find it harder. Pregnancy and new parenthood are full of emotions – some good, and some not so good. Just remember that there are many places to find help.

How pregnancy can affect how you feel#

Morning sickness, backache, headache, leg cramps, varicose veins, itchiness, constipation, hemorrhoids, indigestion and vaginal discharge are some of the realities of pregnancy. Not surprisingly, they can affect how you feel about being pregnant.

For some people, there is also worry about what lies ahead. Maybe the pregnancy was not planned. Maybe you are worried about how a new baby will affect your relationship, or concerned about childbirth. These are all common worries, and you may feel some or all of them during your pregnancy.

But if feelings of sadness, worry or anxiety start to affect your daily life, it may be something more serious, such as perinatal depression or anxiety. Some studies suggest up to one in ten women experience depression during pregnancy.

If you have an existing mental health condition#

If you have a current or past mental health condition and you are pregnant, the good news is that with support and treatment you are likely to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. The most important thing is to talk about it:

• tell the health provider managing your pregnancy about your mental health condition
• tell your mental health care provider that you are pregnant

Together, they can help you manage both your pregnancy and your mental health.

After the birth#

Having a baby is a very emotional time. You may be sore after the birth, not getting enough sleep, overwhelmed by your new baby and worried about being a good parent. Caring for a newborn is hard work, expectations of new parenthood can be unrealistic, and it can be difficult to find time for yourself.

The “baby blues”#

Many women feel teary, irritable, overly sensitive, moody or overwhelmed in the days after giving birth, often between about day three and day ten. Changes in hormone levels often play a part, and these feelings usually pass within a few days. Usually no treatment is needed – just support and understanding.

When it may be more serious#

If these symptoms continue beyond the early days, they may be a sign of something more serious, such as depression or anxiety. Postnatal (after-birth) depression can occur from about one month and up to one year after giving birth, and it is a common condition, affecting up to around one in seven women who give birth.

It is not only new mothers or mothers-to-be who can feel anxious. Welcoming a new family member can also be a complicated time for fathers and partners, who may worry about being a good partner and parent, how a baby will change their lifestyle, or how they will manage the added responsibilities.

Signs and symptoms to look out for#

If you are worried about how you or your partner are feeling, watch for:

• persistent, generalized worry, often focused on health concerns
• panic attacks – a racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking or feeling physically “detached” from your surroundings
• obsessive or compulsive behavior
• abrupt mood swings
• feeling sad, down or crying for no obvious reason
• being nervous or on edge, or feeling tired all the time
• not being able to sleep
• having little or no interest in things that usually bring joy, such as time with friends, exercise, eating or being with your partner
• losing interest in sex or intimacy
• fear of being alone with your baby
• brain fog, or trouble focusing, concentrating or remembering things
• engaging in risk-taking behavior, such as drug use
• intrusive thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Men may be more likely to experience frustration or irritability, increased anger and conflict with others, or increased alcohol and drug use.

If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is time to get some help. The sooner you talk to someone, the sooner you will start to feel better.

Getting help#

If you feel anxious or overwhelmed, or think you need some help, there are many people you can talk to. Your doctor, obstetrician or midwife can advise you about treatments, support and services that can help. Sometimes it is a relief just to tell someone how you are feeling and hear that it is okay.

They may suggest strategies to help you manage your feelings and worries. Your doctor could refer you to a psychologist, or they may suggest medication for a while. Some medications are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding – your doctor can advise you.

Looking after yourself#

Good general health and wellbeing may help prevent or reduce mild depression. You might try to:

• Stop smoking. Your doctor or midwife can help you find support to quit.
• Make time for yourself. Find some time each week to do something you enjoy – it can improve your mood and help you relax.
• Accept help. Let family and friends help with housework and shopping, and say yes to offers of help.
• Stay active. Even a gentle walk in the fresh air every day or two can make a difference.
• Get regular sleep whenever you can.

Above all, be kind to yourself. The most important thing you can do is look after yourself and your baby.

Key points#

• Worry and changing emotions are common during pregnancy and early parenthood.
• Usually you don’t need treatment for the early “baby blues” – just support and understanding.
• Postnatal depression is common, affecting up to around one in seven women who give birth.
• If low mood, worry or anxiety lasts more than two weeks, it is time to get help.
• Your doctor, obstetrician or midwife can advise you about treatments, support and services.

Where to get help#