Pregnancy Hormones & Emotions
Where are these new feelings coming from? "I'm happy to be pregnant but I'm feeling a bit apprehensive. I have so many questions. Will my child be healthy? Will I be able to do it all? Will I be able to give my baby what they need?"
Here are some great tips or taking care of your body and mind during pregnancy.
Did you say Hormones?
Pregnancy is a time that brings with it huge hormonal changes. Oestrogen, progesterone and the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone also act on your emotions and can manifest as anxiety, nervousness, depression or elation. Especially at the beginning of pregnancy, you may experience mood swings, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness and fatigue, which you will soon learn how best to manage it.
A great revolution
Pregnancy is also a period when everything changes because it represents a break with the past and an extension into the future. It can be a lot of pressure. You start having many questions and doubts. Are you up to the task? Will you be a good mother? These are questions that many new mums ask themselves as she prepares to become a mother herself. You may feel more sensitive and you might find yourself going from one extreme to another to defend yourself, including mood swings and facing uncertainties.
Don't be afraid
The fear of losing your figure as a result of your body's transformation can also wreak havoc with the most balanced personalities. It's true, your body will change, as intended by nature, but your life will also change. Some people worry more about their figure when they are pregnant. This does not justify following an extreme diet at a time when your child needs proper nutrition to have every advantage possible to get a good start in life. If you have difficulty establishing a balance between your weight and your baby's needs, talk to your doctor, who will know how to guide you and put all those common, preconceived notions about nutrition in their place.
The right things to do
All of these changes that you are now preparing for will need to be dealt with both psychologically and by means of specific actions. Buying maternity clothes that enhance your appearance, buying furniture and baby care items, preparing the baby's room, learning to eat in a different way, talking with him/her through your belly, and in a few months starting to get ready for childbirth: all of these are visible gestures that accompany your transformation into becoming a mother, as you wait for your baby to journey from womb to birth. Don't forget to involve the father; he is also expecting a baby.
Top Tip - Eating well and regular exercise are also important here!
Related articles
First-time Parent - Partner Tips
Partners can feel like they don’t know how to help with a newborn. These tips may help you bond with your baby and support your partner, right from the start.
5 mins to read
Parental Leave
Financial security while you are embarking on parenthood is extremely important, so what are you eligible for as a working parent-to-be?
2 mins to read
Thoughtful Gifts for New Parents
In this article, we will explore a variety of gift ideas for new parents that cater to different budgets.
4 mins to read
Decoding Pregnancy Pains: Causes, Coping Mechanisms, and When to Call the Doctor
Pregnancy is an extraordinary time, but it is not without its fair share of pregnancy discomforts.
10 mins to read
The Stages of Labour
Explore the stages of labour, including early signs of labour and the first, second, and third stages. Gain insights here for a smoother birthing experience.
8 mins to read
C-sections: What You Need To Consider
There may be several reasons why your doctor or obstetrician recommends an elective (planned) c-section. Here are a few things to consider and discuss.
3 mins to read
Morning Sickness
Amid your joy about your pregnancy, you may experience morning sickness – nausea with or without vomiting, that can occur any time of the day or night.
3 mins to read
Early Signs of Pregnancy
What are the early signs of pregnancy? Learn more about some of the typical early pregnancy symptoms one may experience here.
5 mins to read
Paternity Leave
Dads are definitely not forgotten when it comes to parental leave in Australia. So what are Dads eligible for and what rights do they have?
1 min to read
Working Out Your Birth Plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have an easy to follow birth plan in mind, to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide.
4 mins to read
C-Section Recovery Checklist
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time. Here are some things to think about from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
3 mins to read
Hospital Bag Checklist
Is your due date around the corner and you’re not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We’ve put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials.
5 mins to read
Maternity Leave Checklist
There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning maternity leave from work. Here are our tips to get you ready for your parental leave.
6 mins to read
Self-Care Tips for Anxiety in Pregnancy
Experiencing some level of anxiety throughout your pregnancy can be normal. Read our tips on how to help with anxious feelings and when to seek professional help.
2 mins to read
Giving Birth – From Vaginal Birth to C-Section
It's normal to be nervous about giving birth. Knowing what happens while giving birth can help create a positive start to your parenting experience, take a look.
10 mins to read
5 Fun Baby Shower Games
Baby showers are not only a great way to get together with loved ones and receive gifts for your soon-to-be bundle of joy, but they also provide an opportunity to get involved in some fun and playf
5 mins to read
How Your Baby Develops
Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of changes and anticipation.
3 mins to read
Essential Pregnancy Nutrients - Vitamin D and Calcium
Eating a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy is very important for both you and your baby.
3 mins to read
Food Safety During Pregnancy
Often there is a lot of advice on what NOT to eat during pregnancy - because reducing the risk of bacterial infection which can make your baby ill, is super important.
2 mins to read
Related tools
Pregnancy Week By Week
Use our pregnancy tool to track the week-by-week changes you and your baby go through to stay up to date with your delivery and your baby's development.
