Finding the right support
Information to help you find the mental health support you need during pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be an exciting and challenging time
It’s normal to feel some level of stress and uncertain during pregnancy. There are many changes you may be adjusting to — physical and hormonal changes, emotional shifts, adjustments to relationships, work and your social life.
However 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. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Antenatal mental health concerns are common.
Here you can learn more about finding the mental health support you need during pregnancy.
Getting help
Support during pregnancy
If you’re an expecting parent worried about your emotional and mental wellbeing, it’s important to seek support from a trusted health professional.
We recommend you see your doctor first, but it’s also a great idea to speak with other health professionals like your midwife or obstetrician for information and advice.
Talking to your doctor
TIPS AND WHAT TO EXPECT
If you're expecting a baby, and you’re worried about how you’re feeling, then talking to your doctor can be a good place to start. Read our tips for finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation.
“It’s the hardest job in the world and it does take adjustment. Don’t feel ashamed or blame yourself for how you feel. Don’t try to do it alone. Seek out services, even just a call to a counsellor. ”
Articles for expecting parents
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.
Information for expecting dads
Wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ families
Finding safe, inclusive care
All expecting and new parents deserve inclusive, appropriate support for their wellbeing – including LGBTIQA+ parents.
Languages other than English
Support in languages other than English
PANDA has information about perinatal mental health, translated into 40 languages.
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.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, 7 days a week
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 start 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).