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:

• depression
• anxiety

Other less common conditions are:

• bipolar disorder
• postnatal psychosis
• schizophrenia

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

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:

• You've felt low in your mood, sad or worried for 2 weeks or longer.
• Negative thoughts and feelings are starting to affect your ability to function normally.
• You're showing signs of depression such as losing interest or feeling hopeless or unable to cope.
• You feel anxious or worried most or all of the time.
• You start having panic attacks or develop obsessive or compulsive behaviours.
• You are having thoughts about harming yourself or the baby.

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.

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:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — Call 1300 726 306
• ForWhen — Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Helpline — Call 1300 24 23 22
• Gidget Foundation — Online and telehealth support for expectant and new parents — Call 1300 851 758
• Beyond Blue — Guide for pregnant women, new mums and other carers — Call 1300 22 4636
• SANE — Support and further information on perinatal mental health — Call 1800 187 263
• COPE have information on looking after yourself in pregnancy and antenatal mental health conditions.