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Mental wellbeing during pregnancy

8-minute read

Key facts

  • It's just as important to look after your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy, as your physical health.
  • If you are mentally healthy, you will be in the best position to manage the challenges of pregnancy and life with a new baby.
  • Some expectant parents develop mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety during pregnancy.
  • You should see your doctor or midwife if your mental health is affecting your ability to function or you have a low mood lasting 2 weeks or longer.
  • Getting enough rest, exercising, eating healthy meals and reducing stress will all help you maintain your mental wellbeing during pregnancy.

What is mental wellbeing?

The term 'mental wellbeing' refers to your state of mind.

Good mental health and wellbeing allows you to feel confident in dealing with life's challenges.

Poor mental health can make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life, including how you cope with stress, work and your relationships.

How can pregnancy affect my mental health and wellbeing?

Pregnancy and preparing to have a baby is an exciting time but also a challenging one. Don't be surprised if you experience some emotional change at this time.

It's normal to have some worries and fears about what's ahead. You may feel quite stressed, especially as you know it's a big change that you can't fully prepare for or control.

In addition, pregnancy itself can be stressful. Hormonal and physical changes may trigger big emotions and mood swings. You may also feel stressed about things such as antenatal tests. You may feel especially worried if you've had a bad experience before, such as a miscarriage.

Common concerns can include:

  • will my baby be normal?
  • worries about labour
  • worries about your changing body
  • emotions
  • relationship changes
  • your career

Mental health conditions are common in pregnancy affecting up to 1 in 5 expecting or new mums. Non-birthing parents' mental health can also be affected when adjusting to changes during pregnancy. Read more on partners and depression.

What mental health conditions might I experience during pregnancy?

For some people, pregnancy and the year following pregnancy can lead to conditions such as:

Other less common conditions are:

These conditions are more likely to affect people who have had a pre-existing mental health condition.

Both partners can experience mental health conditions during the pregnancy (the antenatal period) as well as after the birth (the postnatal period), including antenatal or perinatal anxiety or depression.

What are risk factors for mental ill health during pregnancy?

Certain factors can put you at greater risk of developing anxiety and depression during pregnancy. These include:

  • a previous mental health condition
  • family history of mental ill health
  • feeling that you don't have enough support
  • going through a hard time such as relationship problems or job loss
  • past or current abuse (physical, psychological or sexual)
  • problems with drugs or alcohol

Mental health problems are common. Anyone can have a mental health condition — it's nothing to be ashamed about.

What are symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression?

Symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression include:

  • general and constant worrying including fears for the health of the baby
  • feeling sad, low or crying for no obvious reason
  • withdrawing from friends and family
  • having little or no interest in things that usually bring you joy
  • changes in appetite
  • sleep problems
  • having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Males can experience the same symptoms or different symptoms. Symptoms in males can include:

  • agitation
  • frustration
  • outbursts of anger or rage
  • feelings of shame or guilt

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

When should I see my doctor or midwife?

While any pregnancy can have its ups and downs, it's time to seek advice from a health professional such as your doctor or midwife if you experience one or more of the following:

It's a good idea for all expecting parents to monitor their mental health and wellbeing. Look out for signs that you may need help and be ready to take action if you need to.

If you or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

How can I manage my mental wellbeing during pregnancy?

There are many things you can do to help manage your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy:

  • Don't expect too much of yourself. Be realistic about what you can do and rest when you need to.
  • Try not to make major changes at this time, such as moving house or changing jobs, unless you have to.
  • Keep physically active. Check with your doctor or midwife before you start an exercise program.
  • Eat regular healthy meals.
  • Spend time with people who make you feel relaxed and good about yourself.
  • Avoid using drugs or alcohol to deal with stress.
  • Make connections with other expectant parents so you can support each other.

Remember to accept help if it's offered to you and ask for help if you need it.

Resources and support

There's lots of help available to support your mental health during pregnancy:

  • Talk to your partner, someone you trust or your doctor or midwife.
  • Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Other support services include:

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: March 2024


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Need more information?

Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing - video

Learn some simple tips on taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing during pregnancy and as new a parent.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Changes to your body during pregnancy

Pregnancy affects your body and can impact your mental health. Hormones play a role in many symptoms. Read about the changes and the help available.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Mental health and wellbeing

It's important to look after you mental health and wellbeing during your pregnancy and when you become a parent.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Emotional health for parents during pregnancy and after the birth

When you are pregnant, your baby is exposed to everything you experience. This includes the sounds in the environment, the air you breathe, the food you eat and the emotions you feel. When you feel happy and calm, it allows your baby to develop in a happy, calm environment. However, emotions like stress and anxiety can increase particular hormones in your body, which can affect your baby’s developing body and brain.

Read more on WA Health website

You and your baby's wellbeing

Looking after yourself during your pregnancy, both physically and mentally, is very important. Emotionally, you will be going through a lot of changes as your pregnancy progresses.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy and Postnatal Mental Health Online Programs

Learn practical strategies for managing anxiety and low mood during pregnancy and postpartum with THIS WAY UP’s clinically-proven online programs for parents.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

What increases my risk of developing a mental health condition during pregnancy? - COPE

COPE's purpose is to prevent and improve the quality of life of those living with emotional and mental health problems that occur prior to and within the perinatal period.

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

6-week postnatal check

The 6-week postnatal check is an important opportunity to assess your mental and physical wellbeing and recovery after pregnancy and baby’s birth.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Mum2BMoodBooster - online program

Mum2BMoodBooster from PIRI is an evidence-based treatment for depression during pregnancy. Mum2BMoodBooster is a free online program designed to help women recover from antenatal depression.

Read more on healthdirect website

Antenatal Care during Pregnancy

Once you are pregnant, your first antenatal appointment will ideally take place when you are about 6 to 8 weeks pregnant.

Read more on RANZCOG - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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