Like every new journey, pregnancy comes with its challenges. 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.

Mental Health + Pregnancy

Some women face major mental health outcomes, like anxiety and depression, during pregnancy. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 7% of women experience significant depression during pregnancy, and symptoms of depression might 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’re pregnant and experiencing any signs of depression and anxiety, you should seek help from a mental health professional.

Some Tips for Mental Health

Along with depression, you might experience other mental health struggles due to the influx of pregnancy hormones and their effects on your body and mind. However, there are some practical steps that can help, including:

Get adequate sleep
Eat good nutrition
Stay active/exercise
Find healthy stress relief

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.

You’re Not Alone

An unexpected pregnancy can be scary, and it’s normal to feel confused and alone. We’re here to help. At Women’s Pregnancy Center, we offer free pregnancy support and services.

Talk to us today to learn more about pregnancy and get answers for your unique experience. We offer a safe space for you to feel seen and heard. You are stronger than you know.