First trimester: Your emotions

Becoming pregnant and growing into parenthood brings both positive and negative feelings. That can mean having mixed feelings about being pregnant. It is normal to feel anxious, happy, excited, scared, awed and uncertain plus many other emotions.

It can help to share your feelings. Talk with your partner, family member or friend. If you don't feel comfortable talking with someone you know, talk with your health care provider.

Pregnancy hormones affect your emotions as well as your body. In addition, not getting enough sleep and dealing with physical discomforts can make you feel overwhelmed at times. As a result, you may have unpredictable mood swings. Although they are normal, these mood swings can be unsettling. They usually decrease by the second trimester.

If you are concerned about feeling depressed or not feeling like yourself, talk with your health care provider right away. The stress of pregnancy can lead to or can worsen depression. At least one in 10 pregnant people become depressed. If you're depressed, there is help available. Talk with your health care provider for resources in your community.

Enhancing your sense of wellness

Ways to enhance your sense of wellness include:

• Make sleep a priority. Rest often.
• Eat a healthful diet for energy to combat the stresses of pregnancy. (See weight gain and nutrition.)
• Take a walk each day. Mild exercise can help you feel and sleep better.
• Accept help when it is offered for things such as household chores and shopping.
• Educate yourself about pregnancy and birth.
• Visualize your baby floating comfortably in your uterus. Think of you and your baby doing a wonderful job together.
• Plan time to share your feelings and hopes for the baby.
• Celebrate the parent that you are becoming.