Getting support during pregnancy

If you or your partner are pregnant and struggling with the transition to parenthood, it’s a good idea to chat to someone. If you’re having a tricky time adjusting to the many changes of pregnancy, talking to a loved one or a trusted health professional 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. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Antenatal mental health concerns are common.

Getting some support now means you can start to feel better.

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.

Seeking advice

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.

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. (linkto PANDA resources page, or page with Mumspace, Mum2BMoodBooster etc on it)
• 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
• Gestational diabetes
• Hyperemesis

Distressing or overwhelming thoughts and feelings can resolve if identified and treated. Please remember that if you don’t feel heard by your health professional 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.

Concerned about medication? Try to be as informed as possible.

Sometimes there’s stigma about taking medications for mental health as well. Media, friends, family,or even your own beliefs can make you think that somehow you should be able to cope without medication. You may also be sitting with stigma about medications for mental health that come from your background and culture.

Stigma is judging others or yourself as though there’s something wrong withtaking medication to feel better – when really there is absolutely nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

It’s normal to feel uneasy though – you want the best for yourself and your bub. We encourage you to get as much information as possible about any medication that’s being recommended to you. It’s important this information comes from a trusted professional source who has experience with medications for mental health, like your doctor or obstetrician.

Expert advice on medication use in the perinatal period can also be obtained from Medications Information Helplines which are available in each state. We discourage you from seeking information about medications from unreliable sources on the internet.