Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Some stress and anxiety are a normal part of pregnancy and postpartum. Bringing a new life into the world also brings lots of questions and uncertainty. There is also the task of preparing for your role as a mother which may lead to some parenting anxiety, especially if you would like to raise your children differently than you were raised. This is all a normal process.
For some women, however, the anxiety can be more severe. Some women experience a high level of worry about their health or the health of their unborn child. Some women experience panic attacks or intrusive thoughts that are very distressing. These symptoms are not supposed to be part of the “normal” process of pregnancy, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may benefit from extra support.
Our goal in the Reproductive Psychiatry clinic is that every woman is supported through this special time. There is no such thing as a “perfect” pregnancy or postpartum, but we aim to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety to allow you to feel more in control of your experience.
If you are experiencing symptoms and feel like you need a little extra help, we offer preconception counseling, consultation during pregnancy and for up to one year postpartum. We are knowledgeable about weighing the risks of untreated illness during this period, as well as potential risks of medications. We base every decision on what is best for you and your family. We also provide psychotherapy and supportive counseling which is an integral part of any treatment during this unique time in a woman's life.
Please remember that if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum, you are not alone. We are here to help!