Pregnancy Metal Health

10 Ways To Take Care Of Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

10 min | Updated on 15-02-2022 by HappyPreggie

You're thrilled about being pregnant and becoming a parent, and then all of a sudden, you're feeling down. Mama, don't worry; this is very natural. Pregnancy might have a negative impact on your mood. Hormonal changes are a common cause of emotional outbursts during pregnancy.

Happy pregnant women(Image credits to Depositphotos)

As a result, it's understandable if you're feeling more agitated or anxious than usual. With all of your attention focused on your growing child, it's easy to overlook your mental well-being as an expectant mother.

There are lots of practical ways to look after your emotional wellbeing. We have come up with 10 ways to take care of your mental health during pregnancy which can help you during the dark days.



#1 Talk it out


It may sound obvious but don’t pretend to be superwomen. It is absolutely normal to feel anxious during pregnancy, as your body goes through huge changes. Talking about your problems with your spouse, close friends, or family may actually help you feel better.

Asian women talking
(Image credits to Canva)

Being a mother may also be stressful, but getting to know other parents can be beneficial. You may share your parenting difficulties and laugh at not-so-funny parts of being a mother or pregnant. If you're feeling shy in public, take a look at what's going on online. Chatting with others on forums may be a good way to get your concerns and worries out.


You can also read blogs on platforms like HappyPreggie to calm your nerves down and learn anything and everything, apart from pregnancy to childcare.


#2 Try out prenatal yoga


We all know that yoga is a fantastic way to manage depression, but new research suggests that prenatal yoga can also help you feel better during your pregnancy.

Pregnant mom yoga
(Image credits to Freepik)

Once your doctor gives you the green signal to start prenatal yoga, you will find that regular practice with a meditative approach has a positive impact on your mood. Prenatal yoga has been found to help with sleep and anxiety in various situations.



#3 Consider counseling


It's sometimes simpler to chat with someone you don't know. Counseling can provide a secure environment in which you can express all of your concerns and try to make sense of or overcome any negative ideas. Talk therapy is an effective way to keep your mood stable during pregnancy.

Mental health counseling
(Image credits to Getty Image)

It helps in the development of a secure, private environment in which you can process any feelings you may have regarding your changing identity, changing body, or other problems. It can also assist you in resolving unsolved tensions from your childhood or dealing with problems in your relationship with your parents.

Couples or family counseling can also be extremely beneficial in assisting your loved ones as they adjust to the arrival of a new baby. It’s important to note that you don’t need to have a mental health diagnosis in order for the therapy to be effective for you.



#4 Take antenatal birth classes


Worrying about the birth of your child might make you feel low and affect you throughout your pregnancy. A mother needs a confident and caring partner. Your partner should be well aware of your birth preferences as well as the most effective strategies to assist you.

(Image credits to Canva)

Attend an antenatal class to discover relaxation techniques, physical comfort strategies (pain relief or not), and how brain training for birth can help you prepare for a happy experience.

Check the HappyPreggie experiences page where you will find lots of online webinars on antenatal classes only for you. Pick the sweet able one and have a stress-free journey towards motherhood.



#5 Develop a positive attitude toward your body


We know intellectually that our bodies are incredible for bearing and caring for a baby! However, we may have completely different emotions at times. Gaining weight, getting stretch marks, and feeling less energetic are all normal and healthy changes that occur during pregnancy, but some women have a hard time accepting these changes when they see them in the mirror.

Positive attitude towards body
(Image credits to Canva)


Our suggestion for you is to choose positive words about your body and practice saying that out loud in front of the mirror. For example, in the morning, looking in the mirror and say, "My body feels strong." My body is incredible at housing this tiny human. "I am lovely just the way I am," can be a self-compassion and body-positivity exercise.



#6 Exercise


Exercising releases endorphins, which might help you feel less stressed and anxious. Exercising when pregnant has numerous advantages, including reducing back pain, preventing constipation, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Pregnancy exercise
(Image credits to Freepik)

Although there is no consensus on the exact level of exercise intensity or frequency required for a mood boost during pregnancy, we do know that getting some exercise will help lift your mood, protect you from depression, and give you a higher sense of overall well-being.



#7 Get Some Rest


As difficult as it might be, manage some time for yourself and take a rest whenever it’s possible. You might not be able to sleep again after the baby arrives (Joking)! Whether it's getting to bed early, taking breaks during the day, brunch with the gals, or taking a vacation, make sure you're stress-free and well-rested.


Pregnant women resting(Image credits to Canva)



#8 Self-care


Take time to look after your most important asset — yourself! After all, a healthy mother leads to a healthy child. Every day, set aside time to clear your mind and do something you enjoy. During your pregnancy, you'll spend a lot of time thinking about what's best for your baby.

Self care during pregnancy
(Image credits to Freepik)


Taking care of yourself should be a part of doing the right thing for your baby. While you have a lot to do before the baby arrives, you must prioritize your health and well-being. Prenatal self-care will assist you in prioritizing your health and wellness for the sake of both you and your baby.



#9 Eat healthy foods


You're pregnant, working, and possibly caring for other children or running your household. Remember that food is fuel for you and your baby, so eat nutritious foods. Eating nutritious foods is not only helpful for you and your kid, but it also makes you feel better.

Healthy food in pregnancy
(Image credits to HealthXchange)


Eating a bowl of oats will provide you with a dosage of B vitamins, which will assist to minimize mood swings by enhancing the brain's production of serotonin, the happy hormone.



#10 Disconnect yourself from the computer


Don't get into medicine as a Google doctor! While research is beneficial, too much of it can lead to unwelcome tension. It's stressful enough dealing with your mother-in-constant law's barrage of information; there's no need to add to the pressure by spending hours on the internet studying all the things that could go wrong.


Stressd pregnant women
(Image credits to Freepik)

Many pregnant women experience anxiety or depression at some point throughout their pregnancy, and some may require therapy. A mental health issue, on the other hand, does not have to be a problem for you or your child. You'll be doing the best thing for you and your baby if you get the help you need to feel better.

In HappiePreggie we know how special this time is for every mother and understand that during this time it's very crucial to take care of your mental health. To make your new adventure a little less hard we have made a list of 10 ways to take care of your mental health during pregnancy.

Want to read more? Check out our other articles- These 9 Natural Simple Remedies Are Believed To Help Reduce Stretch Marks and How To Treat Your Child's Wounds & Injuries

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