Ep 2 | Pregnancy: mentally preparing for parenthood

Pregnancy is often associated with glowing skin and cute baby bumps—but what about when it feels more like nausea, anxiety, and endless 3am Google searches?

In Episode 2 of Parents' Group, Season 4 of It Can’t Hurt To Ask, your hosts Steph, Alex and Caitlin talk about pregnancy and mental wellbeing. From morning sickness and mood swings to bonding with your baby before they’re born, this episode explores the emotional side of pregnancy that doesn’t always get much airtime.

They’re joined by Anna, a midwife from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, who shares practical tips for managing morning sickness, preparing mentally for birth, and knowing when it’s time to seek support. You’ll also hear from Aimee, who shares her honest experience of pregnancy sickness and finding small ways to connect with her baby.

Because while pregnancy can be joyful, it can also be overwhelming—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available.

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).

The following services can provide help and counselling to you in non-emergency situations.

1. 13HEALTH: call 13 43 25 84 and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline: call 1800 822 436 to speak with a trained counsellor about the first year of your child’s life.
3. Parentline: call 1300 301 300 for advice and counselling about any issue that affects you as a parent. Available from 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.
4. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA): contact PANDA on 1300 726 306 or chat online if you or your partner are feeling depressed, or you are struggling after the birth of your child. Available from Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm.
5. MensLine Australia: call 1300 789 978 if you’re a man and have family or relationship concerns. Available 24 hours a day.
6. Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online.
7. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online.
8. Connecting2u: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips for during pregnancy and after you have your baby.
9. ForWhen: call 1300 24 23 22. Available Monday – Friday 9.00am–4.30pm.
10. SMS4DADS: sign up for free text messages, support, info and tips – for dads and dads-to-be.
11. Raising Children Network: offers ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.
12. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program: free parenting courses...