Take care of your mental health during and after pregnancy

Holly S., a New Jersey mom of one-year-old twin girls, felt that the rapid changes of pregnancy were affecting her body and mind. While she knew that some discomforts, like nausea, back pain, and fatigue, are common, she also felt heightened levels of anxiety, which caused her to worry constantly about the health of her girls during her pregnancy and afterward.

Holly called her doctor and he assured her that many women feel stressed or anxious during pregnancy, as well as the first 12 months after the baby is born. Together, they developed a treatment plan that was safe for Holly and her twins: one that included getting regular exercise (under his supervision), eating healthy foods and getting plenty of sleep.

Mental health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. It affects how you think, feel and act throughout your life.

Understanding your feelings

Sometimes it’s hard to know when you may need help with some of the emotions you feel. You may:

• Feel empty or emotionless all or most of the time for longer than two weeks during or after pregnancy
• Think you don’t love or care for your baby
• Worry that you won’t be a good mother
• Feel extreme sadness and/or anxiety during pregnancy and after giving birth

Moms’ Mental Health Matters explains some of the signs to watch for, and suggests some things you can do, in addition to treatment, that may help you feel better.

Treatment for stress, anxiety or depression can work and will help you and your baby be as healthy as possible.

If you are feeling stressed, nervous or anxious, you are not alone. We have programs and resources to help. Whatever you’re facing, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is here for you, now and always.