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Pregnancy changes your life a lot. You’re undoubtedly happy to become a mother, but at the same time, dealing with hormonal as well as physical changes takes a toll on your emotional health. You not only feel worried about your physical health but also become concerned and anxious about the well-being of the developing baby inside you. Continuous jittery feeling, as you get close to your labour, is not an uncommon phenomenon.
You’ll find yourself undergoing moody swings, taking a lot of stress, feeling sleep-deprived, and depressed. These can be considered common signs of maternal mental health problems.
According to the research of the World Health Organisation, 1 in 5 women in India during their pregnancy and even after childbirth suffer from mental health problems.
Just like taking care of the occurring physical changes, it’s essential to deal with your mental health issues during pregnancy. Poor maternal mental health conditions are associated with increased odds of experiencing pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, anaemia, premature labour, etc.
Identifying the problems and managing them properly during pregnancy will help you deal with maternal mental health issues. So, here’s what you can do about it:
Talk It Out
It’s not a very healthy habit to keep things to yourself. You need to say how you feel – whether you’re depressed, anxious, extremely worried, or crying. You can use counselling sessions, and simultaneously talk your heart out in front of someone close to you. Someone you can trust emotionally – your partner, friends, or relatives. Alternatively, you can join online mummy groups to share your thoughts about your developing baby with other pregnant mummies. Just a little emotional support can help keep your mental health problems at bay. The more you share, the less overwhelmed you will feel.
Eat Well
You’re already maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet to keep up with your health and the health of your growing baby. Additionally, consuming food in the right balance can boost energy levels and help mood.
Be Active
Pregnancy-safe exercises like brisk walking, cycling or swimming are not just good for your physical health but also your mental well-being. Additionally, practising yoga and meditation can help to keep your stress and anxiety in check by releasing what we call the feel-good hormones, also known as endorphins.
Pamper Yourself
The nine-month journey of your pregnancy is long, a little monotonous and tiring. To make “you” the priority, you can hit the spa and get yourself a manicure and pedicure done. Strum into your guitar, just like in your pre-pregnancy days. Read books. Paint, stitch, knit and listen to some of your favourite numbers. Overall, be happy. Making yourself the “priority” can keep depression away during pregnancy.
Take Enough Rest
It’s very difficult for you to get proper rest during your pregnancy. Repeated bathroom trips, feelings of nausea and vomiting, etc., can make you feel sleep-deprived, adding to your stress and anxiety levels. So, try to take short naps whenever possible. At least trying to get some rest can minimize your stress.
Pregnancy includes a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Being aware, getting support and engaging in open conversations can keep you emotionally boosted.