Emotional Health

When you are pregnant, the thoughts and feelings
you experience can range from happiness and
contentment—“I can’t wait to hold my new baby”,
“I’m going to be a great mother”—to worry and
stress—“Will I ever lose all this weight?”, “Can
I really support a baby on this pay cheque?”
It’s normal to experience these types of feelings.
Your moods are changing right along with
your hormones and your body. That’s why your
emotional health is more important than ever!

IMPORTANT FACTS
One in ten women suffers from bouts of
depression during pregnancy. Learn the signs
and symptoms of depression (see bottom of the article)
and contact your doctor if you feel you may
be depressed.

You need your rest. Your body is busy 24 hours
a day as your baby develops and it’s hard work.
If you’re tired, don’t skip sleep. Put your feet up,
take a nap or just slow down. You’ll feel better
physically and mentally.

Staying active and eating well can help keep
your moods in check. Make sure you are eating
enough to nourish your baby. Eat regularly—don’t
skip meals—and make sure you drink plenty of
water. You also need physical activity. A walk
outside or swimming at the pool can leave you
feeling refreshed.

Stay away from stress. If certain people or
situations cause you stress, avoid them as much as
possible. And don’t take on added responsibilities
at work or in your community. Having too much
to do can be stressful at the best of times. Learn to
say “no!”

Next Steps
Take care of yourself by eating well, staying
active and fi nding time to relax and rest when
you need it.

Accept offers of help from friends and family.

Share your thoughts and feelings with others.
If you are worried, upset, sad or anxious, talking
about it can help. Confi de in your partner, a
trusted friend or a family member.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT
EMOTIONAL HEALTH

I’m fi ne one minute and in tears the next.
Why am I so moody?

Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy.
Pregnancy triggers an outpouring of various
hormones. These hormones can change the level
of brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters)
that, in turn, regulate mood. Some women may
be moody all through pregnancy, but it’s most
common around the sixth to tenth week and
then again in the third trimester when your body
is getting ready for labour and delivery.

Is it safe to have sex?

Unless your doctor specifi cally advises you
otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for both
you and your baby. Intercourse can’t hurt your
baby or cause a miscarriage. You may fi nd you
want to have sex more than you did before you
became pregnant. On the other hand, wanting sex
less is perfectly normal too. Most couples resume
an active sex life sometime during the fi rst year of
their baby’s life.

Could I be depressed?

It’s possible. Check with your health care provider
if you have four or more of these symptoms for
at least two weeks or if any of these symptoms
particularly concern you:

• inability to concentrate
• anxiety
• extreme irritability
• frequent mood swings
• sleep problems
• extreme fatigue
• persistent sadness
• a lack of interest in things you used to care about
• a sense that nothing is fun or enjoyable anymore
• a dramatic change in appetite (up or down)


Article by Government of Canada.