Ways to improve mental health & well-being during pregnancy

While the roller-coaster emotions are largely seen as part of hormonal changes during your pregnancy (http://www.madampartum.com/blog-details/how-pregnancy-hormones-affect-your-body). As a pregnant woman, you will need to undergo a significant psychological adjustment as you adapt to the pregnancy and the notion that you will be nurturing a new life that you are fully responsible for can make it stressful especially for first-time mothers.

With all these happening, how can you improve your mental health and maintain a positive well-being during your pregnancy? As the saying goes, happy mommy, happy baby!

Here are some of our suggestions:

1. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁.
Discuss this with your spouse or a trusted friend or a support group. Verbalise your fears and let it sink in. Know that you are not handling this alone.

2. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆.
It’s easy to feel bad about the things you don’t have but always take stock of the blessings you received. Write in your gratitude diary everything you are thankful for and see your perspective change over things you can’t control. 

3. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.
You need all the positive energy you need so steer clear from negative events and toxic people. Do the things that bring you joy. Watch a movie, read a book, go to dinner with your spouse, your family or your besties!

4. 𝗘𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆.
Occasional indulgence during pregnancy cravings is ok. But remember to eat a variety of food groups during your pregnancy. Healthy eating is critical in nurturing your baby’s growth and development.

5. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴.
One of the things that doctors advise mothers with gestational diabetes is to stay active. Do not be a couch potato. Do leisurely walks after every meal. Brisk walking is the ideal exercise you need during pregnancy and an excellent way to bond with your spouse. 

6. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 – 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱.
You are never going through this alone. You will always have a loved one, a friend or a family member. All you have to do is to ask. Learn the birthing process with them, understand how to cope and methods of confinement, and prepare yourself adequately for this journey. 

7. 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆.
It can be a warm bath, a new dress or a soothing massage. Whatever it is, enjoy it. 

Put self-care at the top of your to-do list instead. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby. 

Madam Partum is here for you to support you during your pregnancy journey. Should you need answers to any questions you have in mind, ask Madam Partum at 8166 0060!