Pregnancy comes with all the hormones and all the emotions. From morning sickness to being excited about wondering what your baby will be like, to worrying if you will be a good parent – the list is exhaustive about what is on your mind. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed during this time. Creating a support system early on may be the best decision you can make for you and your growing little one. Even if you have an amazing support system – good friends, a caring partner, and a whole “village” cheering you on – having the guidance of a mental health professional offers a unique kind of support. Therapists can help you develop personalized tools to manage your emotions and can even introduce you to new resources.
Most people think that anxiety, depression, or mental health concerns don’t come until after the baby is born – which isn’t true! Your mental health can change throughout pregnancy from what you are used to. If you have a history of struggling with anxiety, depression, psychosis, or other mental health concerns, pregnancy can intensify your symptoms. Working through existing mental health concerns and learning to manage symptoms can positively impact your experience during and after pregnancy. Having the support of a therapist can help you navigate mood swings, validate your emotions, and offer coping strategies to some of the stressors that come up with pregnancy.
Establishing a relationship with a therapist during pregnancy can also help you gain rapport with someone who is educated about mental health and will be able to pick out signs that something may need more attention either now or after baby is born. A lot changes after the baby is born, so it is a great idea to get ahead of developing the necessary skills, so you already have the tools in place when baby comes (i.e. learning to develop strong boundaries with grandparents who tend to overstep). Additionally, which I’m sure you have already figured out by now, everyone has their own opinions and advice. Whether you ask for it or not! Going to therapy can provide the space to process your own thoughts and emotions without worrying about what someone else may say or think. Plus, as a therapist, I can assure you we have heard it all! There is nothing that is “too weird” or TMI for us.
The emotions you experience during pregnancy can also impact your baby. Babies can sense when you are anxious, sad, angry or happy through the transfer of hormones through the placenta. Increased stress levels can impact the baby’s development, which is why it is so important to be able to regulate your own emotions. Working with a therapist can help you develop effective strategies for regulating your emotions, while also giving you space to express them, as opposed to letting them build up inside.
Pregnancy is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just want a safe space to unpack all those pregnancy emotions, therapists are here to help.