What is wellbeing, really?

The word ‘wellbeing’ is everywhere. A basic definition from the Oxford dictionary states that wellbeing is ‘the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy’. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that ‘Well-being is a positive state experienced by individuals and societies… [and] encompasses quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose’ (WHO 2025). However there is no agreed single definition of wellbeing. Wellbeing is more than physical health or satisfaction with one’s health status, it can encompass how you feel, how much control you have in your life, living standards and of course, emotional and mental health.

Wellbeing in pregnancy is important for the mother and baby. A review of research conducted in 2020 by Mirzakhani and colleagues, found that a pregnant woman may have low levels of wellbeing if she is experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress and feels guilty and alone, whereas a woman with feelings of satisfaction, vitality and hopefulness, along with control over mood and emotions will report a higher level of wellbeing.

Wellbeing is really up to the individual, it depends on personal values and experience as to how ‘satisfied’ or ‘happy’ one feels. What’s important to you? What are your values and what do you feel is important for ‘wellbeing’?