You’re pregnant. Lately, you’ve been on edge and sweating all of the small stuff. Perhaps you’re worried because your partner seems sad all the time. Does this sound familiar?
Becoming a new parent is an enormous emotional adjustment. For some people, it’s overwhelming!
Are you or your partner finding it hard to get used to the idea of new parenthood?
Read through the following list to check for emotional red flags. If you’re experiencing more than two, or even if you only have one but it’s really intense, you might want to consider talking to your doctor.
Remember—these signs can apply to either you or your partner.
- Your mood swings are lasting longer than two weeks and you see no sign of them stopping.
- You constantly feel anxious, irritable, agitated, guilty (worry that you’ll be a bad parent) or sad all the time – maybe you even cry for no reason at all.
- You can’t (or don’t) feel the need to sleep or eat regularly.
- You have trouble concentrating or focusing on things, making decisions (or remembering that you made them) or even have some short-term memory loss.
- You’re always tired and feel like you have no energy.
- You suffer from hot/cold flashes, chest pain, dizziness or shakiness.
- You constantly fret about your baby’s growth and development.
- You feel restless, guilty or worthless, that you have no control over situations.
- You are no longer interested in the hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy.
- You’ve pulled away emotionally/physically from your partner, friends, family and colleagues.
- You have thoughts about harming yourself, or about death or suicide.