Depression and anxiety during pregnancy is a fairly common problem.  A recent study in The Scientific World Journal found that 70 percent of pregnant women are either anxious and/or depressed. Plus, several studies show that mood problems are actually more likely during pregnancy than during the postpartum period, Fox News reports.

If you have a family history of depression or anxiety, or you have struggled with it in the past, you may be more likely to deal with it during pregnancy. 

The good news is that there are ways to manage the symptoms.

Yoga

Prenatal yoga can help alleviate aches and pains and calm the mind. In fact, a recent University of Michigan study found that pregnant women who participated in a 10-week mindfulness yoga program, which combined meditative focus with physical poses, significantly reduced their depressive symptoms.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep when you’re pregnant can be tough, and if you have anxiety, it might be even worse. But aiming for seven to eight hours each night can help your mood. Can’t de-compress? Try taking a bath, reading a book, or meditating to ease your mind.

Exercise

Аccording to a recent study in the journal Psychology & Health, women who exercised for 30 minutes, four times a week experienced fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue than those who were less active.

Relax

Instead of spending countless hours Googling your pregnancy ailments, get the information from your doctor and distract yourself with something that will make you feel calm.

Stay connected

Do something fun with your partner, call up a friend for coffee, and let other people know how you’re feeling. 

Find support

Support groups are a great way to bond with other women and see that other people are dealing with the same emotions.  Talking to a friend or your partner, or finding online forums can also help.

Get professional help

If your symptoms start to interfere with your life and affect your appetite, sleep or your ability to focus, you might have a disorder. It’s important to talk to a therapist who may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, which are the most effective.