4 ways to address mental health issues during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a trying time - all the more so for those with existing mental health issues. Help is at hand to ease this burden and make your pregnancy easier.

You must make your health care team aware of any existing or past mental health issues, even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms.

• The subject should be broached at your first antenatal appointment.
• The information gathered will set in motion a chain of events, controlled by yourself, that will work to ensure smooth sailing through the remainder of your term and beyond.

Pregnancy drastically affects your hormones and other systems within your body, which can affect your mood.

• It can also be a trying and worrying period, especially if it is your first time.
• Due to these factors, a small but significant proportion of women suffer mental health issues during pregnancy.
• You are more likely to experience these problems if you have a history of mental illness. This is not weakness, but rather it is the nature of the chemical changes that take place within the body as your wonderful creation blossoms inside of you.

Your health care team will consider all factors and carefully draw up a tailored care plan that suits your needs.

• Carefully selected medication is an option, with the overall risks and benefits meticulously weighed up to allow for the best outcome for both Mother and baby.
• Counselling and other psychological therapies may be a valuable tool to both patient and practitioner at this time.

There are a number of things you can do to help make your pregnancy easier, and these include:

Try to:

• Eat well. Aim for a healthy balanced diet. Ask to speak with a dietitian if you are unsure.
• Exercise. Ask your midwife or doctor for help if you are unsure.
• Talk about it. Discuss worries and new developments with your midwife, doctor or family. Be open about your feelings.
• Sleep. Get regular, quality sleep.
• Get help when you need it. Let friends and family help you with errands, shopping and anything else you might need.
• Create relaxation time. Also find time for fun and laughter.
• Look for local support groups. Involve someone else, possibly your partner, in the details and changes with your pregnancy.

Try to avoid:

• Stressful situations. Remove yourself whenever possible and learn calming techniques that work for you.
• Doing too much. Keep commitments to a minimum.
• Putting yourself down. Being too hard on yourself or those around you

Pregnancy can involve many stresses. The first step to take is to understand your specific needs and prepare for all eventualities. With the help of your health care team, who can help you create a plan and put your mind at ease with the situation, you can make your way through a healthy and happy pregnancy.