The emotional and physical changes that come with pregnancy can be scary and confusing — even for the best-prepared moms. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause mood swings, and the weight of all the new responsibilities can feel a little too much to handle. This is why it is so easy for women’s mental health to get pushed aside during this time.
Below, our OB/GYN specialists in East Chicago, Indiana are going to explain how pregnancy can impact your mental health, and how you can take better care of yourself during this time.
Pregnancy can bring many emotional changes that may affect your mental health.
When you are pregnant, your body changes in ways you have never experienced before, your emotions can become unpredictable, and the future can look uncertain. On top of that, there is a big societal pressure on moms-to-be to enjoy every second of pregnancy, which only makes things more stressful.
It is okay to feel unsure or scared about if you will be a good mom or how your relationships will change after the baby is born. These are questions that almost every pregnant woman asks herself at some point. You might even feel nervous about childbirth itself, but you can rest assured that you are not alone in these feelings.
In fact, it is estimated that about 1 in 5 American women experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or after giving birth. For many women, these challenges start when they are still pregnant, which means you really need to look after your mental health.
If you have struggled with mental health issues before (like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder), pregnancy can sometimes bring those challenges back to the surface. Talking to your OB/GYN specialist in East Chicago, Indiana as soon as possible can help you handle these challenges more easily.
Managing mental health with medication during pregnancy requires careful decisions.
If you are already taking medication for a mental health condition, you probably want to know what you should do now that you are pregnant. Should you keep taking it, or should you switch to something else? These are common questions, but the answers can be complicated. You need to talk to an OB/GYN specialist to know what is best for you and your baby.
That said, you should know that ignoring mental health problems during pregnancy can sometimes cause more harm than the medications used to treat them. When a mom is mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy, her baby has a better chance of being healthy too. But if mental health issues like depression or anxiety go untreated, they can lead to complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, or even developmental challenges for the baby.
Moms who get proper treatment to manage their mental health are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. You should never make medication changes on your own. Our OB/GYN specialists in East Chicago, Indiana can work with you to carefully weigh the risks and benefits. Together, we can create a plan that gives you the best possible chance for a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy is easier when you have support from loved ones and professionals.
It bears mentioning again that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Your partner, family, and close friends can be your biggest helpers during pregnancy. Let them help you with household chores like cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping so you get more time to rest and look after your mental health.
In addition to leaning on your loved ones, you will need professional support. Therapy and specialized perinatal mental health services can help you feel balanced and supported during pregnancy. These resources are especially valuable if you are feeling extra stressed or scared.
Looking for an Affordable OB/GYN Specialist in East Chicago, Indiana?
Are you ready to take better care of your mental health during pregnancy? If so, and if you’re looking for a compassionate and affordable OB/GYN specialist in East Chicago, Indiana, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.