Becoming a parent can be a wonderful time of life, but as a time of intense change and adjustment it can also bring strong and unexpected feelings. You may experience many different emotions as you adjust to the new realities of pregnancy and anticipating becoming a parent.
There may be changes in your intimate and family relationships, your working relationships and career, your relationship with your own body, and an evolving sense of who you are and what’s important to you.
“I struggled with the changes that were impacting my body, and I began to feel disconnected from my identity”
Helpful Information
Antenatal depression: Signs and symptoms
What kind of changes can you expect?
1
Relationships
2
Work
3
Family dynamics
4
Physical changes
5
Mental and emotional changes
“Even when change is positive, it can still be challenging. Having mixed and complex emotions while you are expecting your baby is normal, but these can be confronting emotions to manage. ”
Strategies to help you manage change
1
Accepting change
2
Expect things to be unpredictable
3
Look after yourself
4
Identify support
5
Access support
Articles
More information to support you through pregnancy
Stories
Real stories of mental health challenges during pregnancy
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.
Helpful Information