How to Mentally Prepare for Pregnancy

In pregnancy, it's important not only to maintain physical health but also mental health. Today, we'll tell you how to prepare mentally for pregnancy.

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Mara Amor López.

Written by Mara Amor López

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Most of the care of pregnant women is related to their physical condition. But we mustn’t forget that the psychological and emotional state of future mothers is also very important for her well-being and that of her baby. We all agree that pregnancy is a wonderful and magical stage, which represents the development of life within us. For 9 months, our body prepares to receive a baby. But also, our mind faces certain emotional difficulties that we must attend to. So, how should you mentally prepare for pregnancy? In this article, we’ll tell you all about it. Do not out!

Why is so important for women to mentally prepare for pregnancy?

From the moment we find out that we’re going to be moms, the changes begin to emerge little by little. For this reason, it’s important to prepare mind and body to face this new stage and its challenges.

Although most medical advice on care focuses on the physical health of the pregnant woman, it’s essential for women to also take care of their emotional health. Both are essential in order to ensure well-being.

Emotional care isn’t limited to visit a psychologist to resolve your doubts, conflicting emotions, or typical pregnancy concerns. Rather, it’s about acquiring the necessary tools to face the enormous challenge that lies ahead.

Every woman, whether or not she suffers from emotional problems beforehand, must have enough help to cope with the changes that motherhood generates. Pregnancy changes your life forever and therefore, it’s important to adapt to it in a healthy way.

Mentalizing being a mom

There are many things we can do to become mentally prepared for pregnancy and we’ll tell you about them below. Pay attention!

Do activities that reduce anxiety and daily stress

Stress isn’t good for anyone, that’s clear. Among its disadvantages, it negatively influences the fertility of men and women. For this reason, it’s important to work on stress from the moment before conception and to continue with this dynamic during pregnancy.

How can you do it? Through any of the following strategies:

• Relaxation techniques
• Deep breathing
• Mindfulness
• Yoga for pregnant women

These activities not only improve stress, but also calm anxiety and teach us to live in the present, without constantly thinking about the future.

Keep in mind that life changes completely with the arrival of the baby and stress increases. Therefore, getting used to dedicating 10 to 30 minutes a day to relaxing is a very positive habit for all members of the future family.

Prepare for change

Pregnancy produces many changes in women, some positive and others not so much. But you need to focus on the positive aspects and try to put aside those thoughts about what we’ve lost.

It’s important to enjoy pregnancy for the wonderful stage that it is, as we’ll only enjoy it a few times in life.

Maintain good communication with your partner

Fluid communication between both partners is a very important aspect to guarantee the mental health of the future mother.

Through it, you can share fears, joys, worries, and uncertainties related to the pregnancy or what will come next. Even everything that concerns the role of your partner in raising the baby.

If you can put your feelings into words, you will feel more secure and protected in this new stage. Also, this fluid communication will allow the bond between the two to become much stronger.

Have a support system

Another important aspect, in addition to communicating with your partner, is surrounding yourself with a support system. That is, family, friends, or anyone in the immediate environment who can help out.

This way, you can talk about your doubts or fears with those who’ve already gone through this situation.

This support system will also be essential after delivery, as the mother will need a lot of help in her moments of greatest fatigue.

Conclusions regarding how to mentally prepare for pregnancy we will say that…

Taking care of yourself physically during pregnancy is essential, but mental health shouldn’t be left aside, as a mother’s well-being and that of her baby depend on it. Therefore, it’s important to make gradual changes in the daily routine, which allow you to feel better.

Don’t forget that your body and your mind must be in harmony to receive in your arms the most beautiful gift that life will give you: Your child.