Emotional highs and lows are natural and normal when you’re pregnant. Most women have good mental health during their pregnancy, though some find it harder to manage.

You can help yourself stay mentally well while pregnant and preparing for the birth of your baby.

  • talk to people about how you’re feeling - it’s okay to say you’re finding things hard, don’t be afraid to ask for help
  • set realistic goals and take small steps that allow you to note progress along the way
  • get a good night’s sleep and eat regular healthy meals - everyone feels better when they’re well rested and eating well
  • be active - being outside and active's great for your mental health

All pregnant women have physical checks at antenatal appointments and some mental health checks. They could be conversations about how you’re feeling or a questionnaire.

If it looks like you need extra support, you may be offered appointments more often or care from a specialist team. There are some things that you can try which may help. The NHS website has a variety of resources that can be used to support you with different aspects of your life during pregnancy:

If you are worried about your safety or the safety of others, including your baby, tell your midwife or GP immediately. If your GP practice is closed, phone the NHS 111 service.

  • Pregnancy+: Featuring interactive images each week of your pregnancy, this app is here to support your week-by-week journey to motherhood.

  • Ovia Pregnancy Tracker: Watch your baby grow each day with this personalised experience that will take you from conceiving through to birth.

  • Baby 2 Body: Stay fit, eat well and take care of you and your baby with this prenatal and postnatal fitness and wellbeing app.

  • Pregnancy Tracker: Baby Bump: Provides mums with helpful and practical information and updates about their baby's developments from when you're trying to conceive to the very end of your pregnancy journey.

For him

  • Who’s Your Daddy?: The first time dad's go-to guide, this clever little app has been written by men, for men and promises to make him laugh as he gets ready for his new arrival.
  • Pregnant Dad: Providing him with all the essential information, whilst also giving him the answer to the questions he probably wouldn’t want to ask at your next check-up

You may be wondering how your pregnancy will affect you while you work. The Health and Saftey Executive have created guidance around your health and safety at work which you can read here. It includes information on the following:

  • How to inform your employer
  • Workplace risk assessments
  • Raising your own safety concerns
  • Breastfeeding in the workplace
  • Welfare and general advice

If you are pregnant, you are entitled to 52 weeks (1 year) of maternity leave, regardless of how long you have worked for your employer. The leave is comprised of:

  • 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave
  • 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave

You do not have to take the full 52 weeks, but by law you must take maternity leave for a minimum of 2 weeks after the birth of your baby.

In order to claim statutory maternity leave, you need to let your employer know your due date and when you would like to take your leave at least 15 weeks before your baby is due. It's best to tell your employer in writing so that you have a record.

If you have a partner, you may be eligible to take some of your leave as Shared Paternal Leave.

Start dates and early births

Usually, the earliest you can start your leave is 11 weeks before your due date, however your leave will automatically start if:

  • Your baby is born early
  • You are off work with a pregnancy-related illness in the four weeks before your baby is due

You can use the maternity planner to work out the dates of your ordinary and additional maternity leave, as well as the earliest date your maternity leave can start.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a weekly or monthly payment from your employer to support you during your time off work (both before and after your baby is born).

SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks of your maternity leave. Check whether you qualify for SMP.

If you are not eligible for SMP, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA) instead.

You can use the maternity pay calculator to work out how much you could get.