Emotional Health in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a phase of life that is full of adjustments and hard work. Unsurprisingly, it can also be an emotional season. Increased emotions or “mood swings” during pregnancy is partially due to hormonal increases and changes. Additionally, the new demand on the pregnant person’s body and life can impact emotional health.
Some common issues that arise in pregnancy are
Loneliness
Coping with change
Fatigue
Low blood sugar
Pregnancy discomforts
Impact of pregnancy on the pregnant person and their family
How To Cope
The best way to set yourself up for emotional success is to ensure that the basic needs of sleep, food, water, and activity are being met. If you are struggling with one of these areas, then now is a good time to reach out for support. Our brain doesn’t exist in a vacuum, if the body is well nourished, then mental health can improve.
Ideas for Maintaining Emotional Well-being
Have self-compassion- yesterday’s expectations will not fit today, nor will today’s fit tomorrow. Try to take each day as its own unique adventure.
Stay active- yoga, walking, stretching, swimming, dancing, etc. Whatever feels right in your body is the best activity for you.
Eat frequently and hydrate often- Our bodies need fuel in order to function properly, which includes our mental health.
Rest and sleep as needed- growing a human is hard work! It is more than okay to put your feet up and relax.
Spend time with friends and family who support you.
Join a pregnancy or new parent support group.
When to Ask for Help
When the negative emotions are persistent for 2 weeks or longer.
When negative thoughts and feelings are starting to affect your everyday life.
If you’re showing signs of depression, such as losing interest or feeling hopeless or unable to cope.
If you feel anxious or worried most or all of the time
If you start having panic attacks or develop obsessive or compulsive behaviors
Local Resources:
Baby Blues Connection: 1-800-557-8375
References
Jordan, R., Farley, C., & Grace, K. (2019). Prenatal and postnatal care: A woman-centered approach (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.
King, T. L., Brucker, M. C., Krebs, J. M., Fahey, J. O., Gegor, C. L., & Varney, H. (2013). Varney's midwifery (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Mitchem, S. Y. (2002). 'There is a Balm...'Spirituality & Healing among African American Women. Michigan Family Review, 7(1). https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/mfr/4919087.0007.103?view=text;rgn=main
Redshaw, M., & Henderson, J. (2016). Who is actually asked about their mental health in pregnancy and the postnatal period? Findings from a national survey. BMC Psychiatry, 16(1), 322. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025550/
