Pregnancy and Mental Health Counseling in Pasadena, Md
Supportive & Compassionate Care Before, During, and After Pregnancy
Contact UsPregnancy and Mental health
When you think of pregnancy- joy, happiness, cuteness, and cuddles are probaly on the forefront. Maybe the thought of pregnancy is exciting and brings on a sense of eager anticipation.
Or perhaps pregnancy and parenthood fill the missing part of your family, making your family feel whole.
In a perfect world, thinking and preparing for pregnancy, being pregnant, and post-pregnancy would be filled with all positive experiences and emotions.
There wouldn’t be worry or fear surrounding the pregnancy experience. Deliveries wouldn’t be traumatic or life threatening.
And birthing parent’s and their partners wouldn’t struggle or experience shame and/or guilt related to their feelings surrounding parenthood.
Pregnancy and Mental Health are rarely part of the planning process when considering parenthood.
It is hard to anticipate something that feels so uncertain. Yet planning for your mental health during pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do for yourself when contemplating pregnancy/parenthood.
Not doing anything potentially leaves you and your child at risk.
Pregnancy is a significant life event that can impact a birthing parent’s mental health in various ways. Hormonal changes, physical changes, and the stress of pregnancy and childbirth can all contribute to mental health issues.
Potentially affecting the well-being of both the birthing parent and the child.
For the birthing parent, untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression/anxiety.
These conditions can negatively affect the birthing parent’s health and increase the risk of complications during delivery.
For the child, maternal mental health can have an impact on the child’s development and behavior. Children of birthing parent’s with untreated mental health conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing developmental delays, behavioral problems, and other adverse outcomes.
You are not alone!
Pregnancy can be a joyful and exciting time, but it can also be a challenging period that can impact a woman’s mental health.
Some of the symptoms of mental health issues during pregnancy include:
- Anxiety symptoms like excessive worrying, intrusive thoughts, irrational thinking, panic attacks, irritability, restlessness.
- Depression symptoms like feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms that can develop or worsen during pregnancy, and it can cause repetitive thoughts or behaviors that interfere with daily life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic birth experience, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
- Bipolar Disorder symptoms that can cause extreme mood swings, ranging from periods of high energy and euphoria to periods of depression and hopelessness.
Get Started with Therapy for Pregnancy Mental Health
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At Turning Stone Counseling, we know that not all pregnancies equate to happiness and thriving families. We have worked with enough birthing moms and dads to understand that this experience can be challenging. Therefore we seek to support you and your family throughout the process.
During Perinatal Mental Health Counseling you will experience the following:
Our therapists have a range of experience in working with Pregnancy and Mental Health.
We have therapists who are Certified Perintal Mental Health Clinicians and/or have done extensive training in this area.
During Perinatal Mental Health Counseling
- A thorough assessment of what your needs are to help you have the best experience possible.
- Psychoeducation about Pregnancy and Mental Health.
- Tools and strategies to support you.
Match with a Therapist who Works with Perinatal Concerns
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy & Mental Health
Is it normal to feel anxious during pregnancy?
Yes. Many people experience anxiety during pregnancy, even when the pregnancy is wanted and planned.
Concerns about your baby's health, labor and delivery, changes in your body, finances, relationships, and becoming a parent can all contribute to anxiety. If worry begins to feel overwhelming or interferes with your daily life, therapy can help you develop tools to manage it and feel more supported.
What are signs that I may need therapy during pregnancy?
You may benefit from therapy if you are experiencing:
Constant worry or racing thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed by pregnancy or parenthood
Difficulty sleeping due to stress or anxiety Increased irritability or mood swings
Feeling disconnected from your pregnancy Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Fear about labor, delivery, or becoming a parent
You don't need to wait until you're in crisis to seek support. Therapy can be helpful at any point during pregnancy.
Can pregnancy hormones affect mental health?
Yes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence mood, emotions, and stress levels. While mood fluctuations are common, ongoing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or emotional distress should not be ignored.
Mental health concerns during pregnancy are common and treatable.
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy and throughout the first year after childbirth.
It includes concerns such as pregnancy anxiety, prenatal depression, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, and difficulties adjusting to parenthood.
Can partners experience mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum?
Absolutely. Partners often experience stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional challenges as they adjust to parenthood.
Changes in routines, responsibilities, sleep, finances, and relationship dynamics can impact mental health for both parents. Therapy can support partners individually or as a couple during this transition.
What is the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?
The "baby blues" are common during the first two weeks after birth and may include mood swings, tearfulness, and emotional sensitivity.
Postpartum depression is more persistent and may include ongoing sadness, hopelessness, guilt, irritability, loss of interest in activities, difficulty bonding with the baby, or feeling like you're failing as a parent.
If symptoms continue beyond a few weeks or feel severe, professional support is recommended.
Can therapy help prevent postpartum depression or anxiety?
Therapy during pregnancy can help individuals identify stressors, develop coping skills, strengthen support systems, and prepare for the emotional challenges of parenthood.
While therapy cannot guarantee prevention, it can reduce risk factors and help parents recognize when they need additional support.
What if I love my baby but still feel overwhelmed?
This is one of the most common concerns new parents have. Loving your baby and feeling overwhelmed can exist at the same time.
Parenthood is a major life transition that affects your identity, relationships, sleep, responsibilities, and emotional wellbeing. Feeling stressed, exhausted, or uncertain does not mean you're a bad parent—it means you're human.
When should I seek help for pregnancy or postpartum mental health concerns?
If your emotions are affecting your daily functioning, relationships, ability to care for yourself, or enjoyment of life, it may be time to reach out for support.
You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis to benefit from therapy. Many parents find that seeking help early allows them to feel more confident, connected, and supported throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Pregnancy & Mental Health Blogs
Why No One Talks About How Lonely New Parenthood Can Feel
Parenthood can be filled with love and joy, but it can also feel surprisingly lonely. Between sleepless nights, changing relationships, and the demands of caring for a baby, many new
Why So Many New Parents Feel Like They’re Failing (Even When They’re Not)
Many new parents struggle with self-doubt, guilt, and feelings of failure. Learn why these thoughts are common during the postpartum period and how support can help you feel more confident.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health: What It Is and Who It Impacts
Pregnancy and the first year after birth can bring significant emotional changes. Learn what perinatal mental health is, who it impacts, common symptoms of anxiety and depression, and when therapy
Our Office
Location
3100F Mountain Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122
Phone Number
410-841-9647
intake@turningstonecounseling.com