Pregnancy is expected to be the most wonderful time of your life and while this is the case for many mums, it is not the same for everyone. Depression and anxiety are common when expecting as your emotions are all over the place but, thankfully, there are things you can do to cope with it.
Symptoms to be aware of
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of emotions – one minute you are on a happy high and the next you are a bawling mess. While this is pretty normal to go through, there are certain signs you need to look out for to ensure it is nothing more: low energy, feelings of excessive fatigue, sleeping too much, not sleeping enough, loss of appetite, feeling irritable or lack of interest in things around you. If you experience any of these symptoms or are concerned in any way, talk to someone like your GP, midwife or trusted family member or friend.
What you can do
If you are depressed, there are a number of things to do:
- Talk to your doctor. If you suspect the feelings you are experiencing are a sign of depression it is important you talk to your doctor. They will be able to offer you advice based on your individual needs.
- Rest. Make sure you rest as much as possible and reduce your workload if it is causing you undue stress. Talk to your boss, if you are working, about going on maternity leave early or establishing a more flexible working schedule.
- Talk to others. Talking to other expectant mothers who are experiencing depression or who have gone through it can help to clear up the fog and make you aware than you are not alone. Avoid keeping your feelings bottled up and talk to people you trust.
- Get out of the house. Try to get out of the house as much as possible – a change of scenery can help to lift you move or remove you from things that are causing you stress.
- Exercise. While you don’t need to have a strict or tough regime, a simple walk or swim can lift your mood. You can even join an antenatal yoga class which will also mean you are in touch with other like-minded expectant mothers.
