Just as the body is ever-changing during pregnancy, your mind is following suit. With your first positive pregnancy test, first case of morning sickness, and the baby’s first ultrasound, your mental health is experiencing lots of firsts as well.
For example, your body creates many hormones, to protect the baby you are growing. As many positive attributes hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and HcG have for the baby, they might be affecting your mental health.
These hormones have been found for causing tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of self-harm.* There are also many other stressors in your life that could be adding on to the symptoms you are feeling. As exciting as being pregnant might be, your life is evolving physically, mentally, socially, and financially - which is a large burden to take on all at once. But, this is normal! This is okay! There are ways to help cope with these symptoms, and get you back to focusing on growing your baby!
A well-researched way to decrease some of the symptoms of pregnancy is by strengthening your support system. The more support we receive from the ones around us, the less alone we feel throughout the process.* If you are in need of creating a support system, filled with people who will understand your daily struggles, look into local “Pregnancy and New Mom” support groups. They are filled with women and family experiencing the same struggles you might be facing.
Skyline Mental Health will have a new Women’s Support Group starting later this fall, where topics of pregnancy and motherhood will be discussed. So be on the lookout for that!
Kalley Seitz is currently accepting new clients! She loves working with women across all stages of pregnancy - from fertility support through post-partum recovery. Reach out to her today to schedule your consultation!
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