Growing a little human is certainly a tough ask physically. But mental acceptance of the changes in your body and that of your baby is next level. Throw in a global pandemic and Covid level ping-pong and it’s no wonder pregnancy and birth anxiety might be dialled up a notch or two right now.
No doubt, last week threw a spanner in the works for many parents-to-be. Scan dates might have been moved, family support would have been limited physically, and if you’re in your final weeks of pregnancy, the anxiety about where and when you’ll give birth (and who can be by your side) might have changed significantly from your birth plan.
Mixed feelings and emotions are really common in pregnancy, so please don’t feel alone. Today you might feel pure joy and excitement, yet yesterday you might have been struck with a million thoughts about how you’re going to navigate your new lifestyle.
Mood swings are common (blame the hormones), and The New Zealand College of Midwives suggest that gentle activities like walking, yoga or swimming, alongside eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and connecting with supportive friends and family can help in the positivity department.
For approximately one in 10 Kiwi women, pregnancy emotions turn into something more serious and can adversely affect your day-to-day life. And it doesn’t just affect the mother – partners can feel the funk too. If your happiness doesn’t return after a few lifestyle changes, please talk to someone. There are people out there to help. Your Lead Maternity Carer or The Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa are great places to start.
Take care, you’re doing amazing!
Pamela
Editor, BUMP&baby
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BUMP & baby is New Zealand’s only magazine for pregnancy and early babyhood. Our team of mums and mums-to-be understand what it’s like to be pregnant in this connected age, and that’s why BUMP & Baby online is geared toward what pregnant women and new mums really want to know.
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