How to Protect Your Mental Health During Pregnancy?

How to Protect Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

While most of the women out there experience just the “baby blues” that fade away on their own after a week or two of giving birth, some may develop severe mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or both. Being a new mother can make your feel overwhelmed, leading to withdrawal from family and friends. If you are a woman with a genetic history of mental health disorders, the chances of developing anxiety, depression, or both during or after pregnancy are greater for you. In such cases, you need to be extra cautious, watch out for the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and seek a psychiatrist’s help immediately.

In addition to seeking a professional’s help, you can try meditation and exercise to help yourself fight anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions during pregnancy. So, without wasting any moments, let us unfold the ways to protect your mental health during pregnancy:

Light Exercise

Physical exercise has demonstrated its effectiveness time and time again in helping women combat depression and anxiety during pregnancy. You are not required to hit a gym for doing exercise. A mere walk and stretching for at least 60 minutes three times per week can work wonders for you. But, make sure to get advice from your pregnancy specialist before you get yourself engaged in any physical activity. They can only recommend to you how much exercise would be suitable for you according to your overall health.

Having a Baby Shower

Organising a baby shower can help you get the most needed emotional support from your friends and families. It will give you the required strength to fight anxiety and depression, and drive away your feeling of isolation. Games can also help you prepare for the birth of your baby. For instance, if you are worried about selecting a name for your child, you can ask everyone to get you a list of their favorite unique baby names to help you make an informed decision.

Regular Meditation

Regular meditation, such as imaging and breathing techniques, can provide you the required assistance to get you better sleep, live in present, and drive away from the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. If possible, combine mindfulness with meditation for a better outcome. It has proven its helpfulness time and time again in pregnant women.

Final Words:

Anxiety and depression can be greatly isolated and frightening for a pregnant woman. Attempt to speak to someone about how you are feeling, as you may discover that they concede or have experienced the same during their own pregnancy.