5 Mental Health Tips for Pregnancy
After the longest 9 months of my life, I'm happy to announce that I'm a new mom! Some women adore pregnancy and manage to be jolly and glowing the whole time. My friends, that was NOT me! Don't get me wrong, carrying a life is probably the most sacred privilege a human being can experience, but it can definitely take a toll physically and mentally. This post is designed to help any expecting moms manage the ups and downs of pregnancy and reduce stress while you're waiting on your new arrival.
1. Take it easy
At the end of 2018, I was in my second trimester of pregnancy and stressed to the max. I was so used to being a 24/7 entrepreneur that I was finding it difficult to slow down. I was so used to doing everything for myself that I had trouble accepting help from others. Don't be like me! Pregnancy is one of the few, precious times in your life where you can get out of almost any obligation because rest and self-care should take top priority. By the end of my third trimester, even stairs were a menacing prospect. Whenever you feel like pushing yourself, remember that you're carrying precious cargo and put your feet up! They're probably swollen anyway.
2. Mood swings are part of the deal
During pregnancy, your hormone levels are guaranteed to be off the charts. Estrogen and progesterone levels spike to an all-time high. In fact, your pregnant body will produce more estrogen during pregnancy than it will during the span of a lifetime. Progesterone, in particular, can have a big impact on your mood, especially during the first trimester. While there's nothing you can do about these mood swings, it's best to be aware of them and inform your loved ones about the changes your body is going through.
3. Eat healthy foods
Eating healthy during your pregnancy can serve multiple purposes. One of the trickiest aspects of pregnancy is managing your energy levels and sleeping patterns. I experienced insomnia every night and relied on napping during the day to get my sleep. While it probably won't cure insomnia, eating healthy will keep you from feeling quite as sluggish during the day. Eating healthy foods also greatly benefits the health of mom and baby at a time when sugar and sodium levels can trigger complications like gestational diabetes and hypertension. During my third trimester, I went to the movies with my family and ate way too much salty popcorn. That night I ended up in the hospital on a fetal monitor due to high blood pressure. My blood pressure had never been a concern before I was pregnant, but after this incident, I became very cautious about the food I was consuming and how it could possibly affect me and my baby.
4. Make time to reflect
When you're pregnant, everyone tells you to relax and be happy, but it's easier said than done, especially for first-time moms. You're now responsible for another life and there are a zillion things to think about. My recommendation? Write it down. You all know that I LOVE journaling. So pull out your favorite notebook and write down all of the racing thoughts about the changes in your body and life.
5. Take care of your spirit
There is a scary side to pregnancy. All too often we hear about women experiencing life-threatening complications and the high rates of infant and maternal mortality in the United States. For Black women, this concern is even more pressing. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the statistics, so make sure you maintain a hopeful attitude. In my personal experience, my faith and consistent spiritual practices helped me through. I made prayer and meditation part of my daily routine. I truly believe that our words and thoughts are like mini prayers from our minds to the universe. Be intentional about speaking positivity into your health, your baby's health, and the well being of your family.
6. Lean on your support system
The more supportive people you have in your corner, the better. Most women have family and friends who will help them manage the practical and emotional aspects of pregnancy. If you don't have a strong support system or you want extra support during pregnancy and childbirth, consider hiring a doula to answer your questions and advocate for you throughout your pregnancy. If you're having trouble coping with the mental and emotional stress of pregnancy, don't be ashamed to seek therapy or counseling. Many talk about postpartum depression, but few discuss antepartum depression, which can strike before the baby is born and puts moms at a higher risk for postpartum. Your mental health is important!