Navigating Pregnancy While Caring for Your Mental and Emotional Well-being
Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy and anticipation but for many women, it can also be a time of emotional vulnerability. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, shifting relationships, and concerns about birthing or parenting, all contribute to this and can impact your mental health.
It is important to understand that having mood swings, getting irritated or angry easily, feeling worried, overwhelmed, or emotionally low during your pregnancy is more common than you realise. While occasional worry is normal, ongoing or intense anxiety can affect a woman’s emotional health and overall birthing experience. Depression during pregnancy, also known as antenatal depression, is more than feeling sad for a few days. Many women hesitate to speak up, fearing judgment or believing they should feel happy during the time. In reality, mental health issues during pregnancy affect many women and should not be considered a personal failure
Untreated anxiety or depression can affect a mother’s emotional and physical health, her ability to enjoy pregnancy, and her bond with the baby. It also impacts overall pregnancy and postpartum outcomes and can also affect the growing baby.
Professional support during pregnancy may include:
Counselling or psychotherapy to help manage thoughts, fears, and emotions
Coping strategies to reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience
Guidance in relaxation techniques
Counselling family to provide appropriate support to the mother
Safe, pregnancy-appropriate treatment plans, when needed
A confidential, supportive space to talk openly without fear or stigma
At Fernandez, our mental health experts work closely with obstetric care teams to ensure both mother and baby receive holistic, coordinated care.
Every pregnancy journey is unique, and needing emotional support is more common than many realise. The good news is that with timely support, counselling, and care, most women feel significantly better.
Your mental health matters. If you’re feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed during pregnancy, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Schedule an appointment with our mental health experts for compassionate, confidential, and specialised support.
For expert support and care, call 1800 419 1397. (Toll-free)
Publication Date
30 December 2025
Category
Equitable, respectful and evidence-based care for women and children since 1948
