Pregnancy is often a very happy and exciting time. But not every pregnant woman feels this way. It is possible to have mixed, or even negative, feelings about being pregnant.

Women often worry about how they will cope with pregnancy or having a baby. It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious at times.

As a result, it is common to worry about:

• Physical symptoms (e.g. morning sickness, weight gain)
• Discomforts
• The changes in your role (becoming a mother, work, maternity leave, financials)
• The changes in your relationships
• Whether you will be a good parent
• Fear of problems with the pregnancy or the baby.
• Physical health problems and pregnancy complications
• Fear of childbirth
• Stressful events in your life
• Lack of support and being alone

As many as 1 in 5 women have mental health problems in pregnancy or after birth. It can happen to anyone. Depression together with anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy.

Our classes educate and create awareness about Mental health early on

Perinatal mental health is a critical element of maternal health during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Our educational classes include mental health to educate expecting women and parents, identify risks and then discuss measures in case a woman suffers from depression during pregnancy and after.

• Mental Health during Lamaze Childbirth Class for expecting women
• Mommy care module in Baby 101 Newborn
• On-demand Mental Health in Pregnancy
• Also we recommend you to reach out to your physician

Benefits of learning early on about Mental Health during and after pregnancy

• Offer education, support and guidance on perinatal complications including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• Increase your confidence
• Increase your understanding of the risks
• How to meet your own needs and use voice for self-advocacy
• You are not alone. You are not to blame and with help you will be well

How can I stay well mentally during pregnancy?

• Exercise is very helpful
• Relax may likely help and reduce anxiety
• Meditation or mindfulness
• Discuss any worries you may have with your family, your midwife or OB-GYN
• In addition, have family and friends help you
• Always eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Avoid alcohol at all time
• Stop smoking for ever (ask your midwife or GP about ‘stop smoking’ services).
• Do something you enjoy weekly to improve your mood

Why is it important?

One in seven women suffer from postpartum depression and 50% of cases begin in pregnancy.

• Early intervention and treatment are the key to full recovery
• Discover the importance of mental health for you and your baby during pregnancy
• Adopt a whole healthier lifestyle with prenatal care, prenatal physical activity and a community
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are treatable. Left untreated depression and anxiety can lead to negative maternal and maternal-child outcomes.
• Mind Body Exercise such as Prenatal Pilates
• Education, awareness of risks, physical exercise and Nutrition are key elements to manage, prevent and/or improve maternal mental health and enjoy a healthy maternity journey for you and your baby.

Who is more at risk of the Perinatal Mental Health Depression?

You can also develop mental health problems for the first time in pregnancy or after birth.

• Having a history of major depression increases one’s risk for developing postpartum depression
• Poor prenatal care
• Cigarette/alcohol/drug abuse
• Preeclampsia
• Shorter gestation, motor maturity lower, cortisol higher
• Lower birth weight
• Suicide
• Shorter periods of breastfeeding
• More abusive
• Impaired attachment
• Cognitive, behavioral disturbances in children