Experiencing pregnancy can feel like a rollercoaster at times. As no woman’s experience is the same, how you feel is unique to your personal situation–including your mental health. It can be challenging to understand pregnancy, so we’re here to help.
Pregnancy can affect a woman’s mental health based on her unique history and situation, and it can intensify the mental health struggles that a woman had before becoming pregnant. Keep reading to learn more.
Pregnancy & Mental Health
Some women experience mental health outcomes, like anxiety and depression, during pregnancy. It’s estimated that around 7% of women experience significant depression during pregnancy, and symptoms of depression include:
- Excessive anxiety about your baby
- Low self-esteem, such as feelings of inadequacy about parenthood
- The inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable
- Poor response to reassurance
- Poor adherence to prenatal care
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs
- Poor weight gain due to a decreased or inadequate diet
- Thoughts of suicide
If you think you’re depressed or experiencing anxiety, get support from a mental health professional to find the care you need.
Mental Health Tips
Along with depression and anxiety, there are more mental health struggles you could be experiencing due to the influx of pregnancy hormones. These hormones affect your body and mind. Here are some tips to help:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat good nutrition
- Stay active/exercise
- Find healthy stress relief
- Spend time with your loved ones
Women are more likely to experience more mental health struggles if these basic needs are not met. It’s important to stay strong physically, as it directly affects how you feel mentally.
We’re Here for You
We know an unexpected pregnancy is not an easy road, but you are not alone. We can walk alongside you in your journey. We can help you by providing a free pregnancy test, ultrasound referral, and answers to your questions about your pregnancy options.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment to take your next step. We are here for you!
