Why Seeing a Mental Health Professional During Pregnancy is a Good Idea

by Karina Melendez, MA Counseling Psychology Candidate

There is no doubt that individuals' lives change when a baby is introduced into the family. 

Parents' roles as individuals and family units change, people change biologically, and their entire lives unexpectedly change for some people. Although one’s experience of pregnancy is unique in their own way, one thing is for certain, change is inevitable. Additionally, this change brings up feelings of fear, hope, joy, loneliness, and a whole range of emotions that can become overwhelming and difficult to navigate alone. It is crucial that we as individuals and as a community center the unique experience of pregnancy as a moment of growth and reflection for both the baby, the parents, and the family. This post will describe different reasons parents may seek out a mental health professional during pregnancy and the benefits of seeking therapy during this time.

There are several reasons why a parent would seek out services during this transition and each reason should be approached with care. One is that pregnancy can be a significant stressor. Some parents may not have expected or planned for parenthood and even those who do plan well may have new concerns around finances, relationships with friends, family, or partner(s), the health of the baby, one’s health, and the list can go on. Moreover relationship dynamics change before, during, and after pregnancy. Issues regarding parenting styles, communication with others, or changes in intimacy can all have significant impacts on an individual’s experience during pregnancy. Lastly, preparing for this role as a parent is a major transition within itself and it’s normal to have hopes alongside doubts and concerns that can be unpacked during therapy. A mental health professional can offer guidance and validation on all these topics.

Unfortunately, some individuals experience complicated pregnancies and in these cases, they need to know that they can find a safe space to express their emotions in therapy. For some individuals, pregnancy may bring up trauma from the past where hormonal changes and external stressors can all exacerbate negative feelings. For others, mental health issues may resurface or begin to surface for the first time where people can experience anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, or substance abuse. In other cases, parents may be experiencing grief. If you are a new parent there is a sense of loss during this transition into parenthood, you are no longer caring for just yourself, but for a family and this can be a very isolating and sad experience. Lastly, in the worst-case scenarios, some families lose the baby and experience devastating perinatal loss. In all of these cases, a mental health professional can assist people in navigating complex emotions.

So although one thing is for certain, change is inevitable, two things are for sure, there is help out there and there are people who are looking forward to helping you. In therapy, a parent can find emotional support for the wide range of emotions that pregnancy brings up and provide a safe space to express and process emotions. Additionally, it can provide a space where parents can address mental health conditions and find ways to manage stress, anxiety, prevent postpartum depression, or navigate relapses in mental health. In couples or individual therapy, one can work with a mental health professional to address their interpersonal relationships or prepare for parenthood. Lastly, mental health professionals can help people find healthy behaviors that align with their values and be an extra set of ears to support the parent(s) in their decision-making. Overall, seeking a mental health professional can make pregnancy a more positive experience and promote wellness for the baby, the parent(s), and the family.

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience for everyone involved as it's a reminder that individuals are capable of so much. Sadly, in a culture that does not center its beauty and fails to address navigating negative emotions, this experience can be very difficult for some. This post gives parent(s) some idea of when it would be a good time to seek out therapy and the benefits that it can bring.