How to maintain mental health during pregnancy & bull; hello healthy

Going through nine months of pregnancy is a long process. Most expectant mothers will be preoccupied with many things to maintain the health of the womb while preparing various kinds of baby equipment. However, there is one thing that often goes unnoticed, namely the mental health of pregnant women. Read on to find out how to maintain your mental health while pregnant.

Why is it necessary to maintain mental health while pregnant?

During pregnancy, it is not only the body that undergoes physical changes. Your mental state also tends to fluctuate. Some mothers-to-be even experience mood swings (mood swings) which affects how he behaves and behaves daily, including to his spouse and family.

Changes in mental state during pregnancy tend to be influenced by hormone levels, which in turn increase feelings of anxiety and stress. These mood swings are still normal. This feeling can originate from worrying about the future after the child is born into the world, "What if I can't take good care of my child?"

But even though it is natural, expectant mothers still need to maintain their mental health so as not to turn into more serious mental disorders, such as depression during pregnancy and anxiety disorders.

It is best if you talk to a specialist immediately if you experience the following symptoms during pregnancy:

Long lasting sadness.
Difficulty concentrating while on the move.
Sleeping too little or too long than usual.
Feeling excessively anxious.
Losing interest in activities that you previously liked.
Feeling guilty, ashamed, and useless.

How to maintain mental health during pregnancy

There are many ways you can take care of your mental health while pregnant. Among them are adopting a healthy lifestyle, starting from eating a nutritionally balanced diet, not consuming alcohol, quitting smoking, and getting enough sleep.

Pregnant women are also advised to provide time to rest or do things they like to maintain emotional stability.

Another thing that needs to be done is to talk honestly about your feelings to those closest to you, especially your partner.

What if you already experience symptoms of mental disorders? Quoted through Psychology Today, here are some things you can do:

Consultation with a therapist. A therapist will help pregnant women to deal with negative feelings and thoughts. The type of therapy is tailored to your needs. But in general, the therapy is in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Prescription drugs, such as antidepressant drugs. Consumption of drugs must be according to doctor's recommendations so that they cannot be consumed carelessly.
Meditation. In this way, pregnant women are taught to pay full attention to the thoughts and feelings that are being experienced. It is hoped that this can help pregnant women adjust their thoughts and feelings so that they are able to cope with their condition independently. For example, by sitting relaxed, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
Look for a support group. Friends and family can be counted on as a place to complain about pregnancy. But sometimes, pregnant women need support groups with similar conditions to encourage each other. By meeting support groups, mothers can open up about their feelings and experiences during pregnancy. Mothers can also hear what is experienced by fellow pregnant women, so that they do not feel alone.