Emotional Wellbeing

It is really important for you and your loved ones to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth. It is common to feel a range of different emotions following childbirth. If you or your partner are at all concerned about how you may be feeling, please have a chat with your health visitor or doctor about how you are feeling, as they will be able to reassure you or recommend some simple measures to help.  

The following NHS booklet may help you understand more about how you may be feeling - A guide to emotions after childbirth

Emotional wellbeing and mental health

Depression in pregnancy

Depression when you are pregnant is called antenatal depression. The condition can vary from mild to severe and can affect women in different ways.

With help and support most people with antenatal depression are able to manage the condition.

It is important to get help and support and you can do this by speaking to your midwife or GP. You can find more information and support links here: Depression in pregnancy.

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is a type of depression that parentscan experience after having a baby.

It affects more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

It's important to get help as soon as possible and you can do this by speaking to your midwife or GP. You can find more information and support links here: Postnatal depression.

ICON

ICON is an organisation that helps people who care for babies cope with crying.  ICON stands for:

* I – Infant crying is normal

* C –Comforting methods can help

* O – It’s OK to walk away

* N – Never, ever shake a baby

Please speak to someone if you need support such as your family, friends, Midwife, GP or Health Visitor.

Healthy eating

Eating well is always important but especially when you are pregnant. Having a varied diet with good nutrition will keep you healthy and help your baby to grow and develop.

You can find a rage of information on food and taking vitamins during pregnancy here: Eating well in pregnancy

Exercise

If you regularly exercise, you don’t need to stop when you are pregnant.

The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain.

Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable.

Talk to your midwife or doctor if you think you might be doing too much. You can read more here: Exercise in pregnancy

Tiredness and sleep

It's normal to feel tired or exhausted during pregnancy. The only answer is to rest as much as possible.

Make time to rest during the day, and accept any offers of help from colleagues and family.

Being tired and run-down can make you feel low. Try to look after your physical health – make sure you eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of rest and sleep. You can read more information and advice here: Tiredness and sleep problems.