Pregnancy is a unique experience for each woman. While society tells us it ought to be a time filled with bliss and glowing, many mothers struggle to find the joy in pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of physical and emotional demand, and for some it may be a time when past mental health concerns re-emerge, or new emotional difficulties arise. It is also a time in which couples begin to experience changes in their relationship; changes that will develop further once the baby is born.
Some people experience heightened stress levels during pregnancy which can diminish their ability to cope. Stress may be attributed to a variety of factors, such as career, relationship or family, difficulty conceiving, medical complications, and reduced physical and emotional capacity due to the hormonal impact of pregnancy. Some people experience apprehension and worry in relation to pregnancy, perhaps fearing that they may not be able to live up to their parental ideals or worrying about the responsibility of becoming a parent.
When you discover you are pregnant, you may not react as you had expected, or may even find that you are shocked or fearful. This is quite common, even in planned pregnancies and for those who have fallen pregnant relatively easily. In circumstances where the pregnancy is not planned, yet is wanted, there may be feelings of confusion or ambivalence to work through.
Forest for the Trees Perinatal Psychology offers pregnancy counselling in Newcastle. We are here to support women through pregnancy and beyond, no matter how small or large your concerns may seem. We can’t precisely predict the impact of being pregnant and having a baby as it depends on a wide range of factors. Our role is to help you prepare emotionally for parenthood and to help you connect to the potential joys that lie ahead.
Contact us to arrange a consultation or visit our What to Expect page for further information about our clinical psychology services.
Common reasons for seeking psychological support when pregnant:
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed
Antenatal depression
Antenatal anxiety
Previous loss of pregnancy
Fear of becoming a parent
Unplanned pregnancy
Relationship problems
Fear of childbirth