Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a joyful experience; however, it can also be a difficult experience during which women may face mental health challenges.

Although some rapid changes in emotions or mood swings are to be expected due to hormonal changes during pregnancy women can and do experience depression during pregnancy. Ideally, depression during pregnancy should be recognized and treated as soon as possible as it can lead to preterm labor, difficulty engaging in self-care while pregnant, having a child that is more difficult to sooth, and puts the woman at greater risk for post-partum depression.

Anxiety is also commonly experienced during pregnancy. Anxiety can stem from a few different factors for pregnant women. First, it is not uncommon for women to worry about the health of their baby especially if they have had complications with a past pregnancy. Second, pregnant women also commonly experience anxiety regarding the process of childbirth. Third, pregnant women may place unrealistically high expectations on themselves during this period leading to the experience of anxiety and/or depression.

Societal expectations that women should feel happy during pregnancy can lead women who are experiencing depression or anxiety to be reluctant to seek help. However, twenty percent of women will experience a mental health concern during pregnancy and seeking help is beneficial to the physical and mental health of both mother and child.

If you are struggling with a mental health concern during pregnancy please know that this is very common and we would be happy to support you with coping skills and self-care strategies during this time.

Pregnancies are not always expected or desired. If you discover that you are pregnant and you are not ready for or do not want a child you may experience a wide range of emotions including: shock, anxiety, sadness, or other negative emotions. Further, it puts you into the position of having to make a difficult decision about whether to keep the baby, give the child up for adoption, or have an abortion. There is no right or wrong decision in these situations but making the decision can cause a lot of stress, sadness, guilt, anxiety, and/or confusion. It can also be difficult to listen to your own voice when others in your life may be pressuring you one way or the other. If you are struggling to make this decision, please do not hesitate to reach out as you deserve support and validation during this difficult time.