Mental health problems and pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of intense emotional change. Explore how to take care of your mental health during pregnancy with this guide.
Pregnancy is a major life event and it is normal to experience a range of emotions. However, if feelings of sadness are impacting daily life, there are steps that can be taken to help.
Mental health support is available for pregnant women who need it and mental health problems during pregnancy can affect any woman, regardless of past mental health history.
It is important for pregnant women to stay well during this time by making informed decisions about medication use and seeking help and support when needed.
The NHS provides resources for pregnant women with mental health issues to ensure they receive the care they need. This includes access to specialist antenatal services such as midwives, obstetricians, psychiatrists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals who can provide advice on managing mental health problems during pregnancy.
Women should also be aware of the importance of self-care during this time such as getting enough rest, eating healthy meals and engaging in regular physical activity.
Benefits of emotional health during pregnancy
The emotional health of pregnant women is incredibly important for the development of their baby. Research has shown that feeling happy and calm can create a positive environment for the baby, while stress and anxiety can increase hormones in the mother’s body, which can have an adverse effect on the baby.
A survey of 4521 women revealed that 21% disclosed antenatal mental health problems, with 36% reporting being offered treatment.
Unfortunately, there are disparities in who is offered treatment. Asian and Black women were significantly less likely to report being offered treatment compared to White women, while teenagers and women aged 40 or more were also less likely to be offered treatment.
Of those who did receive support, 68% reported receiving support, 71% received advice, and 45% received treatment. Women who received support were more likely to be White, living in a less deprived area, and have left full-time education aged 19 or older.
5 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy and anticipation, but it can also bring about emotional highs and lows. This is normal due to the hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy, as well as sleep disturbances, transitioning to a new identity as a mom, relationship challenges and past depressive episodes. It is important to recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed and take steps to address it.
There are many ways to boost mental health during pregnancy. Practical ways to look after your emotional wellbeing include talking to someone, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that make you feel good.
Connecting with other pregnant women or mothers who have gone through similar experiences can be helpful in understanding what you’re going through. Additionally, seeking help from a reproductive psychiatrist or therapist can provide additional support during this time.
Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking time for yourself are all important components of maintaining good mental health during pregnancy. Taking care of yourself emotionally will help ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and a positive postpartum experience.
Practice Positive Self Talk
Positive self-talk is an important practice to adopt during pregnancy. It can help to shift our mindset and create a more positive outlook on the changes that come with this special time. Starting the day with affirmations such as “I am amazing,” “I am beautiful” or “I am powerful” can be a great way to set the tone for the day ahead.
Writing these affirmations down on sticky notes and reading them aloud once or twice a day can also be helpful in reinforcing positive thoughts.
Pregnancy can bring about physical changes that some women may struggle with, so it’s important to practice self-compassion and body-positivity. Saying simple affirmations or “thank you” to our bodies can be a powerful exercise in body positivity.
This helps us to embrace these changes and recognize that our bodies are capable of incredible things! Practicing positive self-talk during pregnancy is an important part of taking care of ourselves and our mental health.
Consider Therapy
Therapy can be a great resource for pregnant women and their families. Talk therapy can help pregnant women process the emotions and conflicts that come with their changing identity, while couples or family therapy can provide support during the transition to welcoming a new baby.
Therapy is beneficial even without a mental health diagnosis, as it can be used to manage any mental health issues that may arise.
Women who are pregnant should have access to psychological therapy services quickly and easily. Your doctor can advise you on how to access these services in your local area, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right resources. With the right support, pregnant women and their families can navigate this exciting time with confidence and peace of mind.
Embrace Body Positivity
The journey of pregnancy can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Intellectually, we know that our bodies are amazing for carrying and nurturing a baby, but emotionally, some women struggle with the physical changes that occur during this time. It is important to practice self-compassion and body-positivity in order to embrace these changes.
One way to start embracing body positivity is by starting the day with positive affirmations such as “I am amazing”, “I am beautiful” or “I am powerful”. This will help to shift your mindset and focus on the positives instead of dwelling on any negative feelings you may have about your body. Additionally, use kind words and encouragement when talking to yourself during difficult times.
Writing positive affirmations on sticky notes and reading them aloud once or twice a day can also help to keep your spirits up and remind you of how strong and capable you are. With a little bit of effort, it is possible to cultivate a positive mindset and enjoy this special time.
Stay Connected
Staying connected during pregnancy is essential for both physical and mental health. It’s important to reach out to friends and family, as well as other people in your network, such as neighbors, coworkers or members of your religious community. Having a strong social support system can help protect against postpartum depression and provide emotional comfort during this time.
Additionally, it’s important to stay connected with your partner throughout the pregnancy. Open conversations about how you are feeling can help identify when one of you is struggling and might need additional support.
This is especially true for dads, since at least 10 percent of them will develop postpartum depression after the baby is born. Taking the time to stay connected with those around you can make a huge difference in your overall wellbeing during pregnancy.
Check in With Your Partner Regularly
Checking in with your partner during pregnancy is an important way to stay connected and manage emotions. Open, honest conversations can help both of you identify when one of you is struggling.
It’s also important to remember that dads can develop postpartum depression after baby is born too, so it’s important to take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep and staying active. Additionally, finding support from family, friends and other members in the community can be beneficial for both parents.
Maintaining healthy communication with your partner throughout the pregnancy is essential for taking care of yourselves and your baby. This means being open and honest about how you are feeling, what you need from each other, and any concerns or worries that arise.
It’s also important to make time for each other outside of the baby-related tasks so that you can continue to nurture your relationship as a couple.
