Emotional health and wellbeing
Emotional health and wellbeing
Being pregnant is a big life event and it is natural to feel a lot of different emotions. But if you're feeling sad or anxious and it's starting to affect your life, there are things you can try that may help.
DO
- Talk about your feelings to a friend, family member, doctor or midwife
- Try calming breathing exercises if you feel overwhelmed
- Do physical activity if you can - it can improve your mood and help you sleep
- Eat a healthy diet with regular meals
- Try to attend antenatal classes to meet other pregnant people
DON'T
- Compare yourself to other pregnant people, everyone experiences pregnancy in different ways
- Be afraid to tell healthcare professionals how you are feeling, they are there to listen and support you
- Use alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to try and feel better, these can make you feel worse and affect your baby's growth and wellbeing
Speak to your Midwife or GP if things you're trying yourself are not helping:
- They can offer you support
- They may offer you a referral to perinatal mental health services or other emotional support. Prenatal means the time you are perinatal and up to 12 months after giving birth
