Understanding emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenting

Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent can bring joy, love and connection. They can also bring uncertainty, exhaustion, anxiety, grief or feelings you did not expect. There is no right way to feel during this time.

If becoming a parent feels harder or more complicated than you imagined, it does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Your body, brain, relationships, routines and sense of self are all adjusting to significant change. You deserve patience, understanding and care as you find your way.

During pregnancy, hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone rise significantly. These hormones interact with brain chemicals involved in mood, sleep, motivation, connection and the body’s response to stress.

After birth, hormone levels fall quickly as the body begins recovering and adjusting. This natural change can leave some women feeling tearful, emotionally sensitive, irritable, anxious or overwhelmed.



Many women experience the baby blues in the first few days after birth. These feelings usually begin to settle within about a week with rest, reassurance and support. However, if difficult feelings are intense, becoming worse, continuing beyond two weeks or making everyday life feel unmanageable, you deserve additional care.

You never need to wait two weeks if something does not feel right. You know yourself better than anyone else and can ask for support at any time.

Hormones are only part of the story

Emotional wellbeing can also be affected by sleep, physical recovery, feeding experiences, pain, previous mental health concerns, trauma, pregnancy loss, relationship pressures, financial worries, housing concerns and the amount of practical support available.

A birth experience that felt frightening, painful or outside your control may also stay with you. You might feel constantly alert, disconnected, panicked, numb or uneasy around certain places, conversations or medical care.



These can be understandable responses to an overwhelming experience. They do not mean you are broken.

You have the right to feel safe and respected when receiving care. You can ask a health professional to explain what is happening, seek your consent before touch, protect your privacy, offer choices, pause when needed or include someone you trust. You are allowed to say what would help you feel more comfortable.

How a partner or support person can help

A trusted partner, family member or support person can make a meaningful difference by listening without judgement, checking in regularly and asking what would feel most helpful. Support might include preparing a meal, helping with household tasks, caring for the baby while you rest, attending appointments or simply sitting beside you during a difficult moment.

You do not need someone to fix everything or have the perfect words. Feeling heard, believed and supported can help difficult experiences feel less isolating. With your permission, a support person may also help you communicate your needs, seek professional care or notice when you seem unlike yourself.



Partners and support people need care too. They may also feel exhausted, uncertain, overwhelmed or affected by the pregnancy, birth or transition to parenting.

Perinatal depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety can begin during pregnancy or at any time in the first year after birth. They are recognised health conditions, not signs of weakness, failure or a lack of love for your baby.

Some signs may include persistent sadness, anxiety, panic, irritability, guilt or hopelessness. You might feel overwhelmed, numb, disconnected or unlike yourself.

You may have difficulty sleeping even when your baby is settled, withdraw from people you care about or experience thoughts that feel upsetting or frightening.

Having a distressing thought does not mean you want it to happen. However, you do not have to manage frightening thoughts alone. A trusted health professional can listen without judgement and help you understand what you are experiencing.

A gentle next step

If this feels familiar, please know that you do not have to make sense of everything by yourself. You do not need to be certain that something is wrong before reaching out, and you do not need to have all the words. Sometimes the first step is simply saying, "I haven't been feeling like myself, and I think I need some support."

You might choose one small step that feels right for you today:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you have been feeling.
• Book an appointment with your GP, midwife, Child and Family Health Nurse, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Counsellor, or Psychologist.
• Accept practical help with meals, rest, or childcare.
• Connect with another parent, a support group or someone who makes you feel safe and understood.

Helpful supports

• PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Northern Territory Mental Health Line: 1800 682 288
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Lifeline: 13 11 14

If you are concerned about your safety or your baby's safety, call 000 immediately.

If you would like additional support, EASA offers a compassionate and confidential space where your experiences will be heard and respected. You can choose what feels right for you and move at your own pace. You do not have to navigate this journey alone.