Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes her/his abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. (WHO). Every year we celebrate Mental Health Day. This indicates how important mental health is for our well-being.
Mental health is crucial during pregnancy and postpartum and women need good health during pregnancy and postpartum. Depression and anxiety are most common mental health problems in pregnancy and 10-15% of pregnant women are affected.
- Some women have a mental illness prior to pregnancy, fearing getting ill during pregnancy and after child birth
- Some have mental illness for the first time during pregnancy
Women who stop getting medication when they get pregnant have high risk of getting ill during pregnancy (up to 70% of women who suddenly stop anti-depressants because they are pregnant will get ill.
Ask yourself:
- Are you feeling sad or depressed?
- Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?
- Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?
- Do you feel anxious or panicky?
- Are you having problems with sleeping / eating?
- Any upsetting thoughts?
- Do you feel out of control/going crazy?
- Do you feel you should never have become a Mom?
- Are you worried you might hurt your baby/yourself?
If you do have any of these emotions/feelings, please communicate with your Doctor
Pregnancy symptoms can be confused with symptoms of mental illness
Feelings during pregnancy might be mixed and confusing: When you have had a mental illness in the past, please, discuss this with your Doctor/ psychologist/psychiatrist or psychotherapist.
Talk to your Doctor before stopping your medication. If possible, talk to your Doctor before pregnancy, but… many pregnancies are unplanned, therefore see your Doctor ASAP.
You need to be well during pregnancy so that…
- You take good care of yourself
- You attend all appointments
- You don’t get higher doses of medication if and when you become ill during pregnancy
- You avoid admission
- You are well when baby is born
- Your baby is well
How can I maintain mental wellbeing during pregnancy?
- Healthy diet
- Reduce alcohol intake/ stop drinking
- Stop smoking
- Improve your mood/relax
- Involve family
- Exercise
- Discuss any worries with family/GP
- Get regular sleep
Be more aware of your thoughts that will lead to your feelings and resulting in the way you act
Don’t be embarrassed about any emotion/feeling, you are not alone, it’s not your fault, talk to your Doctor!!! Mental health is crucial for your wellbeing during pregnancy and postpartum.
