How to Cope With Depression & Stress While Pregnant

Thirteen percent of pregnant women and new mothers suffer from depression according to the National Women's Health Information Center, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Extra care is needed when dealing with depression during pregnancy. Many methods used to treat general depression can be harmful to a pregnant woman or her baby. This doesn't make it impossible to cope with depression and stress while pregnant, but it does mean that it will take work figuring out what is and isn't open to you.

Instructions

• 1

  Call a doctor if you might have clinical depression. Clinical depression is typically recognized by certain symptoms if they last longer than 2 weeks. If you have been frequently crying, feeling unusually restless, significantly overeating or undereating, or suffering from sleep problems for more than 2 weeks, then you should contact a doctor. You should also call a doctor if your depression suddenly becomes more intense or you do not think that you can care for the baby or yourself.

• 2

  Consider various treatments. Even if you don't fit the symptoms of clinical depression, you may still greatly benefit from therapy. Also note that even if you feel you do fit the symptoms of clinical depression, you may not need medications. This will be something to talk to your doctor about.

• 3

  Carefully research any possible medications. Some medications for depression have been proven harmful during pregnancy. Find out as much as you can about any medications that come up in conversation with your doctor.

• 4

  Do not try to self-treat. Even with herbal supplements and other alternative treatments that may be sold without prescription for depression, there may be no documentation of its effects on pregnancy. You should only take medications that are prescribed by a professional while pregnant.

• 5

  Rest often. Make time for yourself each day. Do things that make you feel good, such as taking a walk or reading. If you have any hobbies, make time for them as well.

• 6

  Ask friends and family for help. Many of the people around you would be glad to do various chores for you and your child. Ask your family if they would look after your baby when you feel like you need a little break.

• 7

  Talk to other mothers. They've done this before, so they'll tell you how common the things you feel are as well as things they wish they did. This is great for confidence as well as helpful pointers that will relieve some of the stress.

• 8

  Go to a support group. If you think talking to others in a similar position would help, ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Finding out that you're not alone can be extremely helpful with stress.

• 9

  Eat well. Eating can have a huge effect on how you feel. Make sure you're eating a big enough breakfast and eat a variety of foods from each food group throughout each day. Nutrition is important to how you feel emotionally anyway, but it can be especially important during pregnancy.

• 10

  Try to get some exercise. Walking is an easy exercise during pregnancy, and many types of exercises have variations specifically for pregnant women; for example, there are several different types of yoga that women can do during pregnancy.