Pregnancy is a very exciting time – your body is changing and the baby is growing. It can also be a time of high anxiety. There is so much information out there about how to have a “perfectly healthy” pregnancy that the pressure from tyring to do “everything right” can be overwhelming. Additionally, a new baby in your family is going to change many things in your life and the future may seem a little uncertain.

It is very important that if you are feeling anxiety or depression during your pregnancy that you take steps to take care of yourself and your baby during this time.

• Talk to your partner, your friends and your family.  Let them know about your concerns.
• Make sure that you are continuing to eat and sleep properly.  Your baby needs nourishment and sleep even if you feel that is not one of your highest priorities for your own body – it still is for your baby.
• The supplement Omega-3, found in oily fish such as sardines and salmon, has shown to reduce the incidence of postpartum depression while taken during pregnancy.  See the Science Daily article for more information about this.
• Talk to your primary health provider.  Make sure that your ob/gym  or general physician knows about your anxiety and the severity of it.  Antidepressants are prescribed on a case-by-case basis during pregnancy.  Whether or not antidepressants are right for you during this time is something to discuss with a medical professional.
• Get a prenatal massage.  Massage has proven to have a positive effect on emotions – just be sure that the practitioner is qualified to give a prenatal massage and let him or her know which trimester that you are in.
• Find a therapist.  Talk therapy can provide a safe environment to discuss your feelings. 

Don’t loose hope.  There are many things that you can actively do to help your mental health and take care of your baby while he or she is developing.  The important thing is to continue to pursue and discuss your feelings while you are experiencing them.