If you or your partner are pregnant and having a hard time with the transition to parenthood, it’s a good idea to chat to someone. There are many changes during pregnancy, and if you’re finding it difficult to adjust, talking to a loved one or a trusted healthcare provider can help.
It’s normal to feel stressed and uncertain during pregnancy. There are so many changes you may be adjusting to, such as physical and hormonal changes, emotional shifts, plus major adjustments to relationships, work and social life. If your feelings are worrying you or affecting your ability to function in daily life, you may be experiencing symptoms of antenatal anxiety or depression. You are not alone. Antenatal mental health concerns are common.
Getting some support now means you can start to feel better.
“Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out for the help you need - the help is there. You’ll get better, you’ll find yourself again, and you’ll feel more love for your tiny human than you could ever imagine is possible.”
Anxiety and depression during pregnancy: Everyone is different
We know everyone experiences antenatal anxiety and depression differently. The way it affects you can depend on a range of factors.
Your own genetics and unique emotional, mental and physical traits may play a part, plus external factors like your:
- General health and wellbeing during pregnancy.
- Own experience of being parented when you were a child.
- Relationships
- Stressful life situations can have an impact too.
“I started feeling very sad – lonely and anxious too. Nothing like I had been expecting to feel just before the arrival of our baby.”
Seeking advice
If you’re an expecting parent worried about your emotional and mental wellbeing, it’s important to seek support from a trusted healthcare provider.
We recommend you see your doctor first, but it’s also a great idea to speak with other healthcare providers like your midwife or obstetrician for information and advice.
Your doctor can help you understand what’s happening and discuss the best treatment options for you. These might include:
- Counselling.
- Self-care strategies.
- Medication.
- Peer supports (e.g. virtual courses and peer groups)
- Information and access to perinatal mental health resources. MumSpace is a partner of PANDA, including MumMoodBooster and Mum2BMoodBooster.
- If you’re experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of antenatal anxiety and depression, your antenatal care team may also refer you to a mental health service based at your maternity hospital.
It’s also important for your doctor to rule out the possibility of any other physical conditions. Some issues which may contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, low energy or lack of motivation include:
- Low iron and vitamin deficiencies
- Thyroid problems
Distressing or overwhelming thoughts and feelings can resolve if identified and treated. Please remember that if you don’t feel heard by your healthcare provider or you’re not satisfied with the advice and treatment you receive, it’s always worth seeking a second opinion.
If you’re in any doubt, call the PANDA National Helpline. Our telephone counsellors will listen carefully to your concerns and explore different care pathways with you, including additional referral options if you need them.
“My advice to anyone in this position, is to seek help, don't suffer alone.”
Medication use in the perinatal period
Your doctor might recommend medication to help your mental health, like anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.
It’s natural to have questions and concerns about possible side effects for you and your unborn baby.
Helpful Information
Self-care for pregnancy and new parenthood
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More information to support you through pregnancy
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Real stories about mental health challenges during pregnancy
PANDA CHATBOT
Chat to Dot
Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.
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.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
Helpful Information