Pregnancy Counseling
Helping expecting moms with anxiety during their pregnancy and prenatal journey!
This is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life, but it sure doesn’t feel that way.
On the outside it looks like you have it all together, but inside you’ve been feeling anxious, worried, and overwhelmed.
It’s been hard to fully embrace and enjoy your pregnancy because of this crushing anxiety.
You find yourself preoccupied with the “what ifs” and your mind is stuck in a loop of worst-case scenarios.
Did I feel the baby move today?
What if I’m a bad mom?
Should I put off having my baby shower in case something bad happens?
Will the baby be healthy?
Did I eat the wrong foods yesterday?
What if I don’t bond with my baby?
You are in the right place, mama!
Please know this:
You are not alone. Prenatal anxiety is very common and highly treatable.
How I can help
Pregnancy Counseling will help you embrace your prenatal journey with newfound confidence and ease.
During our sessions, you will gain insight into your thought patterns and learn powerful techniques to rewire negative and anxious thinking.
Together, we'll get to the root causes of your anxiety, exploring unhelpful behaviors that might be exacerbating your worries.
You'll develop new strategies to break free from these patterns, creating a calm mindset for the rest of your pregnancy.
I’m confident that I can help you get to a place where you can fully enjoy your pregnancy - and have a smooth transition postpartum.
Picture this…
You enjoy your pregnancy without the nagging worries.
✓
You wake up every morning feeling calm and ready to face the day. The anxiety spirals have stopped and the scary thoughts are gone.
You have the tools to handle any challenges that come up.
✓
You feel in control of your emotions and no longer so reactive. You are able to experience true joy again!
You approach childbirth feeling confident and grounded.
✓
You feel calm and grounded as you approach labor and delivery. You are confident in making decisions for you and your baby.
I want you to know:
You can feel better!
faqs
Common questions about pregnancy counseling for prenatal anxiety and depression.
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Normal Pregnancy Stress:
Mood: Fluctuates, may become teary
Self-esteem: Unchanged
Sleep: Bladder or heartburn may awaken you - you can fall back asleep
No suicidal ideation
Energy: May tire, rest restores
Pleasure: You can experience joy and anticipation (appropriate worry)
Appetite: Increases
Anxiety and Depression during Pregnancy:
Mood: Gloom, irritable, agitation, rage, anxiety, overwhelmed
Self-esteem: Low, feeling guilt, intrusive thoughts
Sleep: Difficulty initiating and/or sustaining sleep, racing thoughts
Suicidal thoughts
Energy: Rest does not restore, fatigue, low motivation, distraction
Pleasure: Decreased
Appetite: Dysregulated, significantly increased or decreased
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Pregnancy can impact mental health in many different ways due to hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, past traumas resurfacing, shifting family dynamics, and emotional adjustments.
It's important to note that 15-20% of expecting moms may experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy and postpartum.
Seeking prenatal counseling can provide guidance and coping strategies for a healthier and more fulfilling pregnancy journey.
We can work together to develop preventative strategies so that you can enjoy your pregnancy and avoid mental health challenges during the postpartum period.
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Recognizing the signs that indicate you might benefit from counseling for anxiety and depression during pregnancy is an important step in seeking the support you need.
While it's normal to experience some degree of stress and mood fluctuations during pregnancy, certain symptoms may suggest that professional help is warranted.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: If you find yourself feeling consistently down, sad, or hopeless, and these feelings linger for an extended period, it could be a sign that your mood needs attention.
Excessive Worry or Anxiety: If you're experiencing overwhelming anxiety, excessive worry, or constant nervousness that interferes with your daily activities and functioning, counseling might be beneficial.
Changes in Appetite or Sleep Patterns: Significant changes in your appetite or sleep patterns—such as insomnia or oversleeping—can be indicators of underlying emotional distress.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: If activities you once enjoyed no longer bring you pleasure or you've lost interest in things that used to engage you, this might be a sign of depression.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things can be indicative of underlying emotional challenges.
Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: If you're experiencing guilt or feelings of worthlessness, counseling may help you address these emotions. You may start to feel guilty because you are not “happy” during pregnancy.
Physical Symptoms: Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, or muscle tension that are not attributed to any medical condition might be linked to anxiety or depression.
Irritability or Anger: Unexplained irritability, mood swings, or outbursts of anger that are uncharacteristic for you might suggest emotional struggles.
Isolation or Withdrawal: If you find yourself withdrawing from social activities, avoiding friends and family, or isolating yourself, this could be a sign that you're struggling emotionally.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Pregnancy: While pregnancy brings joy, it can also come with a sense of overwhelm. If this overwhelm becomes chronic and unmanageable, counseling could offer support.
Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide: If you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's crucial to seek help immediately. Reach out to a mental health professional, a healthcare provider, or a helpline (988).
Lack of Energy or Motivation: If you feel constantly fatigued, lack energy, or have difficulty finding motivation to do even routine tasks, this could be a sign of depression.
It's important to remember that seeking counseling doesn't mean you're weak or incapable. It's a courageous step toward prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being, especially during a significant life transition like pregnancy.
If you're experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, reaching out to a mental health professional can provide you with the guidance, support, and tools to navigate your emotional challenges effectively.
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Surprisingly, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common obstetric complication of pregnancy impacting 15-20% of mothers.
This is higher than rates of gestational diabetes (2-10%), preeclampsia (5-8%), preterm labor (10%), and other medical complications.
Ready to get started?
