Pregnancy affects every woman differently. However, it’s common for most women to experience specific physical and emotional symptoms. Your body changes dramatically during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, often affecting your mood.
Let’s look at the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and how this may affect you mentally.
Physical Changes in Early Pregnancy
You can expect your body to respond to the increase in hormones almost immediately. The following are some of the physical symptoms you may experience early in pregnancy:
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
Mental Changes in Early Pregnancy
The increase of hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, during early pregnancy can affect a woman’s mental health. The following are some of the emotional effects you may experience early in pregnancy:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sadness
Will I Experience Mental Health Issues?
It is hard to tell how you will respond to your pregnancy because every pregnancy is unique. The American Heart Association states, “major depressive episodes during pregnancy and the year after a birth…are common, affecting up to 1 in 5 U.S. women.” However, they also state that almost 50% of women in the United States experience anxiety and depression. Thus, it’s important to consider your mental health while pregnant.
Pregnant women dealing with depression are more likely to have babies with low birth weight and poor general health. Their babies are likely required to stay in the hospital longer after birth for further care. The Mayo Clinic lists the following as risk factors for depression during pregnancy:
- Anxiety
- Life stress
- History of depression
- Poor social support
- Unintended pregnancy
- Intimate partner violence
Where Can I Get Mental Health Help?
At BsideU For Life, we can provide referrals for affordable mental health professionals who can counsel you. We do not want you to face your pregnancy alone. If you are struggling with anxiety, sadness, or depression, we are here for you.
Please schedule an appointment with one of our caring medical professionals. We offer free medical services and will happily assist you with prenatal and childbirth information, material support, and what every woman needs-friendship. Contact us today.