Pregnancy is often painted as a joyful, glowing time—but for many, it's also filled with emotional ups and downs. From mood swings and anxiety to moments of sheer overwhelm, navigating the mental health challenges of pregnancy is just as important as monitoring physical health. At Northwest Family Clinics, we believe in whole-person care, which means supporting every patient’s emotional and mental well-being at every stage of life—including pregnancy.
Why Mental Health During Pregnancy Matters
Mental health is health. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy. Anxiety is also common, often fueled by hormonal changes, physical discomfort, relationship shifts, and fear of the unknown. Left unaddressed, these mental health challenges can affect sleep, appetite, relationships, and even baby’s development in the womb (primarily if the mother has poor nutrition or uses substances).
Supporting mental health during pregnancy not only helps the birthing parent—it also sets the stage for healthy bonding, safer deliveries, and better long-term outcomes for both parent and baby.
Common Mental Health Symptoms in Pregnancy
While every pregnancy is different, some common emotional experiences include:
- Mood Swings – Rapid emotional changes are normal due to hormonal shifts, fatigue, and stress.
- Anxiety – Worry about miscarriage, labor, finances, or parenting can be constant and consuming.
- Depression – Persistent sadness, guilt, or loss of interest in activities should not be ignored.
- Overwhelm – Feeling mentally overloaded, especially in the third trimester or with added life stressors.
If these symptoms are intense, interfere with daily life, or last more than two weeks, it’s time to talk to your provider.
Tips to Support Mental Health During Pregnancy
While some emotional shifts are part of the pregnancy journey, there are evidence-based ways to manage stress and protect your mental health.
1. Talk About It
Don’t keep your feelings bottled up. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, your partner, or a trusted friend. Your care team at Northwest Family Clinics is here to listen without judgment.
2. Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Poor sleep can make emotional symptoms worse. Try to nap when possible, establish a calming bedtime routine, and avoid overstimulation before bed.
3. Move Your Body
Gentle exercise like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming can release endorphins and reduce anxiety. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week during pregnancy (with your provider’s okay).
4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
Breathing exercises, journaling, prayer, or guided meditation apps like Headspace or Expectful can be calming tools to ground you during stressful moments.
5. Limit Information Overload
Endless Googling and social media scrolling can fuel anxiety. Set boundaries with technology and stick with reliable, evidence-based sources like your family doctor.
6. Create a Support Plan
Who will be your go-to person when things feel hard? Build a small circle of people you trust—your partner, your OB, your mom, a therapist, a friend who’s been through it.
7. Know When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing intense anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or scary thoughts—help is available. You are not alone, and with support, things can get better.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your provider right away if you:
- Feel hopeless, numb, or unable to enjoy anything
- Have intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or others
- Are unable to eat or sleep
- Experience panic attacks or constant worry
- Struggle to connect with your pregnancy or feel like a burden to others
These are not signs of weakness—they are signs that your brain is asking for help, just like your body would if it were hurting.
What About Postpartum Depression?
It’s important to know that mental health challenges don’t always end with delivery. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 1 in 7 new mothers and can begin anytime in the weeks or months after birth. Symptoms include persistent sadness, irritability, guilt, exhaustion, trouble bonding with the baby, and even frightening thoughts. Unlike the “baby blues,” which usually resolve within two weeks, PPD lasts longer and requires treatment. If you’re pregnant and have a history of depression or anxiety, talk to your provider about a postpartum mental health plan—we’re here to support you both before and after your baby arrives.
Learn more about postpartum depression here.
Compassionate Care for the Whole You
At Northwest Family Clinics, our team of family physicians includes providers who are deeply experienced in both physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy. Whether you’re experiencing mood swings, anxious thoughts, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here to walk beside you. Our three convenient clinic locations in Crystal, Rogers, and Plymouth, Minnesota, make it easy to access care that fits your life.
If you’re pregnant and feeling overwhelmed, let us be your support system. You deserve care that sees the whole you.