Pregnancy Counseling
You are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Everyone is telling you this should be such a joyous time, but you feel far from this.
Maybe you are feeling worried, uneasy, or anxious.
Maybe you are having a difficult pregnancy and it is taking a toll on your mental health.
Maybe you have a lot of fears, or past trauma and you feel unprepared for your labor and delivery.
Maybe you have had a previous loss, and are struggling to find peace in the thought of becoming pregnant again.
This is normal. Pregnancy is difficult, physically, mentally, emotionally.
You are not alone. We can help.
Depression or anxiety during pregnancy is common and treatable. Oftentimes, “postpartum depression” or “postpartum anxiety” truly start while you are pregnant, and can compound further once you are postpartum. Counseling during pregnancy can significantly help your postpartum mental health, and decrease your likelihood of severe postpartum depression or anxiety.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. More common than gestational diabetes. More common than preeclampsia. These things get so much attention in the medical world – and they are not even the biggest health disparities mothers face.
15-20% of parents will experience some form of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, whether that be depression during pregnancy, anxiety during pregnancy, or a combination of pregnancy and postpartum based mental illness. 85% of parents will experience emotional distress after bringing a new baby home. The hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are the BIGGEST hormonal change a woman will ever face in her life – more than puberty, more than menopause. Pregnancy counseling with a trained professional counselor can help with all of this.
Untreated Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy
Untreated depression during pregnancy, anxiety during pregnancy, or OCD can lead to long-term implications for both the mother and the baby. Maternal mental illness can lead to low birth weight, feeding and sleep challenges, difficult temperament, difficulty regulating emotions, and more. As the child grows up, unmanaged maternal illness is correlated with difficulties developing interpersonal relationships, higher rates of behavioral problems, learning disabilities, lower IQs, and more.
For the mother, unmanaged mental health during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of preeclampsia, preterm labor, and social withdrawal, among other things.
Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy
There are certain risk factors that can put a mother at a greater risk for pregnancy depression or anxiety, and there is strength in knowing this if you do find yourself having risk factors. One big risk factor is a personal or familial history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. Along with that, a previous traumatic birth, loss, or pregnancy can put a mom at greater risk for mental illness during pregnancy. Stressors related to finances, legal concerns, relationships, or social supports, as well as a history of significant mood changes around your monthly cycle can play a role in greater chances of mental health concerns during pregnancy.
Many of our clinicians at River Root at mothers themselves, or have incredibly close ties to motherhood. Between these two things, we understand how overwhelming the transition to parenthood can be. Our goal is to support you during this time and meet you where you are in your healing process.
Our approach to Pregnancy Counseling
First and foremost, we want you to know that the mental health concerns that you are experiencing do not define you as a person or as a parent. You will not feel this way forever, and you will start feeling better soon. Through therapy, you will develop the tools, skills, and knowledge you need to feel confident and empowered in your mental health as you enter the season of growing your family.
We use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic methods to best meet the needs of our clients. Through these methods, you will learn to connect your thoughts, feelings and actions and see the impact each one has. We will learn and process through your relationships, identifying both the helpful and unhelpful components. You will also learn skills and practical tools to utilize to clear your mind and relax your brain and body. We will collaboratively develop a treatment plan that is unique to you, your symptoms, and your goals. We will work together in creating a comprehensive postpartum recovery plan to set you up for success after you deliver your little one. We’ll discuss all things relating to motherhood, parenting/adjustment to parenting, loss, expectations, boundaries, and more, while finding ways to care for yourself and love yourself along the way. Oftentimes, clients find it most beneficial to continue treatment through their postpartum experience in effort to remain supported and on track as new concerns arise.
Not sure if you are ready for pregnancy counseling yet?
We get it – therapy can feel both overwhelming and intimidating! We are big supporters of coming as you are, whether that be in your sweatpants or with tears streaming down your face. Whether we are meeting in our office in Uniontown, Ohio or via telehealth, know that we understand the value of your time, and will help you with practical tools for you to feel better and have symptom relief. Therapy is an investment in yourself, and a process in which you will learn and grow as an individual. Whether you are thinking about becoming pregnant or currently expecting, we are happy to support you and provide effective, fun, and compassionate counseling for you and your concerns. We can set up an appointment for you to begin pregnancy counseling today.