It’s supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life, but pregnancy isn’t always pleasant. Along with weight gain, being uncomfortable, and having to use the bathroom every five minutes, some women feel depressed during their pregnancies. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
It is sort of taboo, and something that not many women talk about, because women are expected to be excited, joyous and “glowing” through the whole nine months of pregnancy. However, it’s actually very common for women to be depressed during pregnancy.
There are so many different hormonal changes, as well as general life changes and stress during pregnancy, it’s no surprise that it can cause depression. Experts say as many as 25 percent of women experience some degree of depression while pregnant. Want to find out some ways to cope? Read on.
Staying active is a huge part of preventing depression. Make sure to try to get at least 30 minutes of physical exercise each day. Even if you take a short walk, that counts! Try swimming, yoga, or another low impact exercise to stay active during your pregnancy. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and keep you feeling great.
Pregnant women are notorious for being overstressed, trying to do everything they need to do before the baby arrives. This can lead to depression and anxiety. Try to pace yourself, and remember, there is no possible way to do everything. You are not superwoman! It’s okay to take it easy during pregnancy, and it’s okay to let a few things slide.
After baby arrives, you will be spending plenty of time catering to someone else’s needs, so take some time during pregnancy to pamper yourself. Take lots of naps, read a good book, have a bubble bath. Take time to go for a massage, a hair appointment, a manicure. Make plenty of time for yourself, make yourself feel good, and enjoy the time before baby comes.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, it is important to let those feelings out and make sure that you are not holding them in. Whether you vent to your partner, your friends, your family members, or strangers on an online message board or Facebook group, make sure that you have an outlet for your stress and worry. Sometimes, letting your concerns and fears be heard is a great way to help yourself feel better, and can lead to a more positive outlook.
If you are not able to combat your feelings of anxiety or depression on your own, make sure to speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend other things to help you feel better. Seeing a counselor or therapist might help, or a support group might be a good option.
Experts are sometimes divided on the subject of medication for depression during pregnancy, but sometimes doctors determine that the good outweighs the bad. Don’t feel weird about talking to your doctor about depression during pregnancy, it is actually very common.
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