Managing Emotional Changes During Pregnancy

Overview

When you're pregnant, your body goes through lots of hormone changes. This can affect your emotions and how you feel. You may notice your moods changing often.

It's important to take care of your body—and your emotions—during pregnancy. So don't hesitate to ask others for support.

• Connect with other people.
  • Reach out to friends or family members. Let them know how you're doing and how can they help.
• Take time for yourself, if you can.
  • You could watch a movie, read a book, listen to music, or spend time with a friend.
• Find ways to manage stress.
  • Try to make time for a stress-relieving activity each day, such as yoga, meditation, or guided imagery. You could go to a class or try a free app.
• Write about your feelings.
  • It may help to write down your fears about having a baby or becoming a parent. Share this with someone you trust. Decide which worries are actually small, and try to let them go.
• Get help if needed.
  • If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor or midwife, or talk to a counselor. Consider joining a pregnancy support group. You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support.