If you’re pregnant, you likely know firsthand how pregnancy can cause a vast array of physical symptoms, ranging from nausea to the need to urinate more frequently. However, pregnancy can affect you mentally as well. While these mental symptoms are often less talked about, they can be overwhelming.
This article will explore the potential ways pregnancy might affect you mentally. But it’s important to note that not every woman will experience every mental symptom, and some women may not experience any mental symptoms at all.
Ways Pregnancy Might Affect You Mentally
During pregnancy, your body is flooded with a mixture of specific hormones that make your uterus an ideal place for your pregnancy to grow. But these hormones can cause you to feel many emotions, sometimes all at once.
Moodiness
Are you irritable one minute and laughing the next? Can even a commercial bring you to tears? Feeling moody is a classic symptom of pregnancy, and it’s common to feel especially weepy.
Feeling Stressed
Pregnancy comes with many unknowns. You might still be wondering what pregnancy option to choose (parenting, adoption, or abortion) and how to navigate telling your family, friends, or partner. All of these things, not to mention financial considerations, etc., can cause you to feel stressed.
Anxiety and Depression
Some women face more significant mental health outcomes, like anxiety and depression, during pregnancy. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s estimated that roughly 7% of women experience significant depression during pregnancy, and symptoms 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”
How Can I Deal with the Mental Health Effects of Pregnancy?
While it’s easier said than done, it’s essential to get adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress relief during pregnancy. When these needs aren’t met, you’re more likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes.
However, if you’re experiencing signs of anxiety or depression, it’s critical to speak with a mental health professional. Treatment may include talk therapy or medication.
You’re Not Alone
Navigating the mental health effects of pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re here for you.
We offer a safe space to talk about your feelings and explore your options, and we also offer free pregnancy resources and services.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
*If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.