Pregnancy guide
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
When you are pregnant, the thoughts and feelings you experience can range from happiness and contentment to worry and stress.
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!
Learn the signs and symptoms of depression and contact your doctor if you feel you may be depressed.
It’s possible. Check if you have four or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks:
- 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 )
Your body is busy 24 hours a day as your baby develops and it’s hard work.
If you are tired, don’t skip sleep. Put your feet up, take a nap or just slow down. You’ll feel better physically and mentally.
Make sure you are eating enough and nourish your baby. Eat regularly 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.
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!
Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy. Pregnancy triggers an outpouring of various hormones. These hormones can change the level of brain chemicals 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.
Unless your doctor specifically 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 find you want to have sex more than you did before you became pregnant.
On the other hand, wanting sex less is perfectly normal too.