Pregnant and Depressed? You’re Not the Only One
After trying to conceive, becoming pregnant can be one of the best moments of your life.
Some women easily transition into their role as mother to be. For others, pregnancy is not met with the same joy. If you feel depressed during your pregnancy, know that you are not alone and that many other women have been in the same position.
A number of issues can cause depression during pregnancy:
- Mental Health History – If you have a family history of depression you may be more susceptible to having depression while you are pregnant. Additionally, if you’ve previously dealt with depression outside of pregnancy the condition may return while you are pregnant. It is important to discuss your concerns with a medical professional to insure you are receiving the support you need.
- Stress – Stress in your personal or professional life can set the stage for depression during pregnancy. Stress has a real effect on your life and can do harm to yourself and your baby. If you’re having difficulty in your relationship with your partner, consider attending counseling. If work is the problem, try to establish schedule and support network that allows you to reduce stress levels.
- Experience with Loss – If you’ve lost previous pregnancies it can be difficult to bond with your baby during your pregnancy. This may be because of unresolved issues regarding your previous loss. Alternatively, difficulty bonding with your baby could be a defense mechanism, your way of protecting yourself in case this pregnancy is unsuccessful. Talk with your medical team about your concerns and what can be done to address them.
- High Risk Pregnancy – If your pregnancy is considered high risk, or if you have had complications, it can be difficult to control your emotions. While efforts to delay preterm labor are beneficial to the baby, those acts, such bed rest, can negatively affect the mother’s state of mind.
The team at New Hope Fertility Center is dedicated to helping people start the family they’ve been dreaming of. We provide ongoing emotional support including counseling sessions and support for all of our patients. Schedule an appointment today and find out what we can do to help you conceive the child you have been dreaming of. Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676. Thank You.
