Emotional Health in Pregnancy

If you have just found out you are pregnant, you may be experiencing a mixed array of emotions. You might feel excited and happy but there may also be some feelings of anxiety and worry, especially if you have experienced a previous pregnancy loss. The changes that lie ahead in your life may result in feelings of worry or apprehension and these thoughts are completely normal and natural.

There are many reasons to support good emotional health in pregnancy. While we know that some short term stress in inevitable, ongoing stress during pregnancy and feeling overwhelmed causing distress will impact your ability to function to your full capacity and can have an impact on your growing baby. The hormones your body produces in response to your emotional health cross the placenta and can have an impact on your baby’s growth and development. Putting in place strategies to help and support good emotional health will have a positive impact on your health and well-being.

Take the pressure off! Have realistic expectations of yourself and focus on what you can control. Look after your physical health, eat health nutritious whole foods, make movement and exercise part of your daily practice. Take quiet time each day to have space to connect with your baby or consider a guided meditation to bring this peace and calm. Take time to nurture your emotional health by doing the things you enjoy and help you relax. Identify those people around you are your supports, this may be physical help and support or emotional support. Share your thoughts and experiences with these people. Connecting with yourself, your baby and the people around you will support your emotional health and allow you to be better able to cope with everyday challenges.

Want to learn and experience more about supporting your physical and emotional health throughout pregnancy. Join us at one of our one day Health and Well-being in pregnancy events.

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