Mental Health during Pregnancy

For many women, being pregnant involves dealing with a lot of change. Your body is changing. You may think differently. People may treat you in a different manner. You may be thinking about your new baby. You may be thinking more about your future.

All of these changes and feelings are normal. If they begin to make you feel tense and anxious, you may need to seek help. Pregnancy can be a time when you may be at risk of becoming depressed. It is important to take care of yourself especially when you are pregnant or have a new baby.

What you can do:

• Eat well. 
• Exercise regularly. 
• Get enough sleep. 
• Take a prenatal multivitamin. 
• Be around people who make you happy. This can include your family, neighbours, co-workers, friends, partner and others. 
• Take time to relax and laugh. 
• See your health care provider regularly. 
• Ask for help if you feel down, sad and/or overwhelmed. 
• Talk to your partner. He or she may have similar feelings. 
• Go for counseling. You can go alone or with your partner. 
• Talk about your feelings. 
• Accept help from others. 
• Go to a group program for pregnant women. Talking to people who understand what you are going through is helpful. 
• Do something you enjoy like listening to music, yoga or reading. 
• Avoid using drugs or alcohol 
• Taking note of the above tips will help you have good mental health and help to prevent depression.

Ask yourself these questions: For more than two weeks have I been feeling:

• Anxious? 
• Worried more than usual? 
• Less interested in my usual activities? 
• Feeling down, sad, irritable or hopeless? 
• If you answered yes to any of the four questions, talk to your health care provider. 
• Don’t wait. There is help for you and your family.