It’s normal to have periods of worry and stress when you’re pregnant. If these feelings don’t go away, however, and begin to affect day-to-day activities, it’s important to ask for help from your midwife, health visitor or GP.
Some signs that you may be experiencing anxiety or depression can include:
- feeling over-anxious, sad, tearful, guilty or down most of the time
- worrying a lot about your baby or the birth
- withdrawing from contact with other people
- loss of interest in activities or things that you used to enjoy
- feeling irritable
- a fall in self-confidence
- difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- changes in appetite – eating more or less
- feeling tired or restless
- lack of energy and sleeping problems
- tense muscles
- feeling panicky or experiencing panic attacks
Watch this animation with new mums from Leeds talking about how they struggled with their emotions during pregnancy and after the birth.
Many women hold back on asking for help because they feel that their problems aren’t serious enough or they’re worried about feeling embarrassed or being judged. All health professionals in the city are trained to support women with their feelings. The earlier you can talk about how you’re feeling and get support, the less likely it is to turn into a more serious problem.
Any health professional you speak to should treat you with respect and understanding. If you speak to someone and don’t feel they understand, however, it’s OK to try speaking to another professional who makes you feel more comfortable.