In the first trimester, mental health:
Both your physical and mental health have a role in your total health, thus they are equally
vital. Finding out you’re pregnant can cause a wide range of emotions, some of which might be
detrimental to your mental health. Following are few points to facilitate the same:
Establish realistic goals for yourself. Spend time each day unwinding and relaxing.
Take a nap if you must.
Eat frequently, and make sure you get enough fluids. You can feel more rejuvenated by
embracing the essence of fresh air outdoors.
Don’t be hesitant to discuss any worries or ask questions with your doctor or the other
medical staff members in their office.
Consult with other parents who are expecting. Many of the same emotions you are
experiencing are undoubtedly shared by them. Getting to know them now can help you
expand your network of support after the birth of your child. You can connect with
other expectant parents through online groups as well.
Talk to your partner, close friends, and family members who will listen and encourage
you. Changes in mood, such as tension, worry, and depression, can occur at any moment
throughout pregnancy.
Second trimester mental health:
During this trimester, you might start referring to your unborn child as “I’m having a baby”.
You can feel your baby moving and turn your attention inward to yourself, your sensations,
and your baby. The second trimester of your pregnancy could also cause additional emotions.
You could Embrace your appearance or you’ll feel less appealing.
Exhibit more emotions and greater sensitivity
Experience less mood swings
Have more vivid dreams compared to before pregnancy
The following activities can be done with your partner to help you deal with stress and shifting
emotions:
Together, go for a stroll or to an ultrasound appointment.
Attend prenatal appointments with your partner study about parenting and pregnancy
set aside time to communicate and express your feelings
Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and engage in joint physical activity.
Seek out support from family, friends, and other members of the community.
During the third trimester, mental health:
Various emotions could be experienced during your third trimester. As becoming a parent
becomes a reality, it’s normal to experience conflicted feelings. If you’re experiencing any
discomforts, you might be anticipating the end of your pregnancy so you can finally hold and
meet your baby.
You might also worry about your health or the health of your baby, feel protective of your
child, consider labor and delivery, reflect on your own parents’ parenting styles, consider life
changes and taking on more responsibility, worry about maternity leave expenses or job-related
obligations before you go on maternity leave, and so on.
To reduce tension and cope with shifting emotions, try the following activities with your
partner:
Talk to your partner regarding the concerns that you might have. Talking about your
anxieties won’t make them more probable or true.
Attend prenatal classes and learn about pregnancy and parenthood. A list of prenatal
classes offered in your area can be found at ahs.ca/prenatal.
Seek out the support of family, friends, and other members of the community.
Practice strapping in the car seat.
Do something unique by yourself or with your partner.
Speak with other expectant parents.