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Pregnancy and having a new baby can bring many changes to your life. If you are feeling like things are not easy, you are not alone.
Changes during Pregnancy
While you are pregnant, you may feel many different things. You may be happy and excited, or scared and nervous about what is happening. Getting used to your changing body and getting ready for the baby can cause stress. The signs of stress during your pregnancy can be the same as the side effects from your body's changes:
- tiredness
- trouble sleeping
- changes in how hungry you are
- backaches
- headaches
Although these can be normal during a pregnancy, it is good to lower your stress and make sure to take care of yourself. See below for when to get help during your pregnancy.
After the Birth of your Baby
As a new mom, you might still have the symptoms above after your baby is born. You might also find yourself:
- crying
- feeling sad, irritable or frustrated
- feeling tired even after you rest
- having trouble concentrating or sleeping
If you are feeling these things, you are not alone. You and 70% of other new moms may have these feelings ("baby blues") in the first few days after giving birth. Know that they are normal feelings and will usually go away on their own within a few days.
When to get help (during pregnancy or after baby is born)
If you are pregnant or have a new baby, you should watch for these signs of perinatal depression or anxiety:
- Symptoms of baby blues, but worse and lasting longer than 2 weeks
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or out of control
- Not being interested or enjoying activities you used to like
- Big changes in how you are eating
- Not feeling connected to your baby
- Constant worrying about you or your baby's health
- Having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby (see a doctor right away)
These feelings can start in pregnancy or can happen up to a year after you have your baby. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can start to feel better. Talk to your doctor about what ways would be best for you. If you do not get help, keep asking - perinatal depression and anxiety are treatable.
(Sources: City of Hamilton and Best Start)
Where to get help and more information
- Your family doctor's office (Doctor, Nurse or Mental Health Counsellor)
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic (905-522-1155 ext. 36499)
- City of Hamilton, Public Health Services (905-546-3550)
- Catholic Family Services (905-527-3823)
- Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST 24-hour support 905-972-8338)
Helpful Links
- Mental Health and Mood Disorders
- Emergency Psychiatry Services
- East Region Mental Health Services
- St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton- Mental Health Programs
- City of Hamilton, Public Health Services - PMD pamphlet
- Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) brochure
- Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) brochure
- Ontario Best Start Resource Centre - Mental Health Resources (scroll down to list of PMD websites)
- Women & Girls Services - YWCA Hamilton - Good Beginnings