Maternity Services

Pregnancy and your emotions

If you are pregnant, no one has to tell you about the emotional roller coaster you are on. One day, you are overjoyed at the idea of being pregnant and daydream of holding your newborn child in your arms. The next day, you feel exhausted and anxious by the thought of caring for the baby day and night. You wonder, "Is this normal?" Yes.

Like any situation that brings major changes, pregnancy is a time of adjustment. Your body is changing. Your hormones are changing. Your moods are changing.

One thing you are certain of is that you are very tired. That's why getting enough rest throughout your pregnancy is so important. Many women find their moods are at their worst when they have tried to do too much and are worn out.

Women often feel extreme fatigue during their first trimester, feel their best during the second trimester, and then gradually slow down as their ninth month approaches. If at any time, you are feeling completely overwhelmed, cannot sleep or eat right, call your health care provider.

Pregnant and working?
Each woman has to decide, sometimes with the help of her doctor or midwife, how long she can work. If you are having a healthy pregnancy with no unusual circumstances, you may enjoy working until late in your pregnancy. Work can be tiring, and you should plan to rest at the end of a long day.

Sex during pregnancy
As your emotions reach highs and lows during pregnancy, so may go your interest in sex. Early on in pregnancy, because of fatigue, nausea or both, you may not be very interested. However, during this time, levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone rise, increasing blood flow into the breasts, vagina, clitoris, and perhaps increasing your desire with it. For most women, sex during pregnancy will not affect the baby, who is protected by the amniotic sac. Later in pregnancy, sex may be more difficult as the baby grows larger. Experiment with different positions. If sex is the last thing on your mind, stay intimate by sharing a shower, exchanging a massage or taking a long walk together.

Seek your health care provider's advice if you are at risk for pre-term labor or miscarriage, or if you have any other questions about sex during pregnancy.

Talking to your health care provider
Pregnancy is at once an obvious thing, and yet a very intimate and personal experience. You may feel uncomfortable talking to your health care provider about some of the issues involved in pregnancy.

Please remember the doctors and midwives affiliated with Yale-New Haven want to give you their best care. Answering your questions is a big part of that care. Don't worry if a question seems silly. If it's on your mind, bring it up with your provider. You will feel better.

Can't remember all your questions? Jot them down on a piece of paper and bring it with you next time.

Can't sleep?
When you lie down, babies finally have room to stretch and move around. These movements are fascinating, but can interrupt your sleep, especially if the baby has hiccups. Toward the end of pregnancy is when sleep problems are most common. Your body's metabolism increases, causing insomnia. Frequent trips to the bathroom, leg cramps and the normal anxieties about being a new mom can make for a tough night. There are no easy answers but remember, this is temporary.

• Mild exercise may help relieve stress and improve sleep.
• Avoid eating large meals three hours before going to bed.
• Discuss your concerns with your partner or a close friend.
• Keep a journal of your thoughts.
• Read or engage in a quiet activity if you absolutely cannot sleep.
• Don't try and do as much during the day if you have had a bad night.
• Short naps are okay, but long ones may interfere with your night's sleep.

Seat belts
Do you still need to wear that seat belt when you're pregnant? You bet! If you are in an accident, you still need the protection the belt gives you. As your middle becomes larger, fit the bottom part of the belt under your tummy. And be sure to get an infant car seat before the baby is born.

When to call your health care provider
Do not hesitate to call your health care provider if you have any concerns or questions. Sometimes, it's hard to tell whether a problem you are having is serious or routine.

Call your doctor or midwife right away if you are have:

• Bleeding.
• Constant abdominal pain or cramping.
• Severe headaches.
• Sudden swelling of your hands or face.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
• A fever that lasts more than 24 hours.

Continue: Maternal Special Care Unit

Maternity Services home page

Last revised: December 8, 2004 (jj)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.