When you’re pregnant it can sometimes seem as though you have to be happy all the time. You may find that people expect you to look forward to the baby, be excited and to bloom all the time. You too may think that this is the way you ought to feel.

In fact, you are likely to have ups and downs, just like any other nine months in your life.

Hormonal changes and tiredness
Hormonal changes taking place in your body can make you feel tired, sick (nauseous), emotional and upset, particularly in the first three months. You may find that you cry more easily, sometimes for no reason, and lose your temper more. Being tired and rundown can make you feel low. Try to look after your physical health and get plenty of sleep.

Find out more about your health during pregnancy, including healthy diet and exercise.

Anxiety
It's quite normal to feel anxious and worried when you are pregnant, especially if this is your first pregnancy. A number of things could make you feel anxious. You might find antenatal tests stressful because of the possibility that something may be wrong.

You might be worried about practical things such as money, work or where you are going to live. You may be anxious about whether you will cope as a parent, or whether you are ready to be a parent.

Some of these anxieties could be shared by your partner, friends or family. It's a good idea to talk through these feelings together.

Dreams
It's normal to have dreams about your baby. Sometimes your dreams may reflect your anxieties. This is often because you are thinking a lot about your pregnancy and the changes that are happening in your body. Talk to your doctor if you're worried about this.

Ways of coping
Sometimes it helps to share your anxieties with other pregnant women. Discuss any worries, concerns or anxieties with someone you feel you can talk to. This could be your doctor, your partner, your friends or family.

Depression and mental health problems
It's normal to have some worries while you're pregnant, and to feel down from time to time. But it's a cause for concern if you're feeling down most of the time. Whatever the reason for your unhappiness, or even if there doesn't seem to be any reason at all, explain how you feel to your doctor or health visitor.

Make sure they understand that you're feeling more than just a little bit low. Some women get depressed in pregnancy and you may need treatment to help you deal with it.

If you've had a mental health problem in the past, you might be at risk of becoming ill with a depressive illness during pregnancy and after the birth. It's important to tell your doctor about any previous illness at the start of your pregnancy. If your mood changes throughout the pregnancy, let someone know how you are feeling. Don't suffer alone, as you can be helped.