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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.
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:
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.
As a new mom, you might still have the symptoms above after your baby is born. You might also find yourself:
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.
If you are pregnant or have a new baby, you should watch for these signs of perinatal depression or anxiety:
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)