Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it’s also one of the scariest. If you aren’t careful, the fears of anxieties can catch up with you and turn your nine months of bliss into nine months of stress.

Try these mum-approved tips for keeping your pregnancy emotions in check.

#1. TALK

Whether it’s a burning oesophagus or a fear of labour that’s got you down, sharing your concerns with someone else is often all it takes to ease your emotional pain. (It won’t cure that heartburn, but sharing your misery somehow makes it a little more manageable!) Some women increase their girlfriend chat-fests while expecting, while others feel the need to share their thoughts and feelings with a professional. With the massive hormonal surge taking place in your body, it’s no surprise that you might just not be feeling like you. Don’t hold it in: Share your feelings – both the good and the bad – with someone, and you’ll likely feel better for getting them off your chest.

#2. WRITE

Jotting down your thoughts and emotions on paper is a great way to keep from falling victim to hormonal overload. Some keep journals while expecting and seeing their feeling right there in black and white helps them evaluate their thoughts from a different angle and better keep things in perspective. It is also refreshing to read back through past entries and see how far they’ve come since the beginning of their pregnancy.

Keeping a journal is a great way to get to know yourself a little better too. As busy women, our brains operate on full speed all the time, jumping from one thought and to-do to the next. Writing down what’s in your head causes you to slow down that thought process and focus on one word at a time. Your journal can be strictly for your eyes only, or you can write it for your baby-to-be. Either way, simply putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) can go a long way towards keeping your emotional health in a positive place.

#3. SLEEP

Easier said than done, I know, but exhaustion doesn’t lead to anything good. It’s important to at least make an effort to get enough sleep, even if it means you resort to daily naps for the first time since  kindergarten. If discomfort is keeping you up at night, increase your pillow count (many mums-to-be sleep with one between their legs) or buy a maternity pillow, which is specially made to meet the needs of an expecting mum.

TIP: It is recommended that a mum-to-be sleep on her side at night rather than on her stomach or back. The left side is preferable, since it allows an optimal flow of blood and nutrients to her baby.

Experts agree that getting regular exercise during the day will help you sleep better at night, but you shouldn’t work out too close to bedtime since it is likely to get your energy levels pumping and have the opposite effect. As attested by the 78 per cent of mums who report sleep problems during pregnancy, there really is no easy fix. It you can’t fall asleep, get plenty of rest and allow your brain time to shut down and unwind. Meditation works wonderfully for many expecting mums – you might not be sleeping but the quiet, restful time spent meditating often has the same effect sleep does, allowing you to rest, regroup and recharge.

#4. LAUGH

Don’t underestimate the positive power of laughter. When you’re tired, swollen and uncomfortable, it can be hard to find things humorous. But a good giggle releases happiness-inducing endorphins in your body that work like meds for your mental health. If you just aren’t finding things funny at the moment (someday you’ll laugh about that irrational lashing you just gave the grocery clerk for not stocking your favourite ice cream flavour, but it won’t be happening today!), pop in a funny movie or visit old TV show favourites on DVD. Read a funny mum-to-be book or novel. Call up that one person who always makes you laugh. Watch YouTube clips of people falling down (but, of course, not getting hurt – we’re not that mean!). Whatever it takes, try to squeeze a little humour into your day. It can make a world of difference.

#5. PLAY

Everyone tells you that your life will change when your baby is born, but you really can’t comprehend how much until you’ve walked that road. Now is the time to be enjoying yourself and doing the things you love. Hit the theatre, linger over long dinners with your husband…all those things you enjoy that will be hard, if not possible, to do with a newborn in tow. Pregnancy can be really tough, but it’s also really beautiful. Every moment won’t be pleasant, so savour those that are – and know that in a few short months, it’s all going to be well worth it.

COULD IT BE DEPRESSION?

Depression affects 10 to 20 percent of expecting mothers. About a quarter of those mums-to-be will suffer from major depression and require medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for two weeks or longer:

• Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Persistent sadness.
• Severe anxiety.
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
• Feeling of hopelessness.

It can be tough to distinguish between the regular hormonal upsets of pregnancy and true depression, so if you’re in doubt, it’s wise to consult your doctor.