Pregnancy and Mental Health
Pregnancy is a time of excitement and joy for many people. It comes with anticipation and celebration of new things. However, it is also a significant stressor as life can change dramatically in just a few months. Maintaining good physical and mental health are critical during this time. There is an increase in mental health conditions during pregnancy for some people due to myriad factors. Understanding not only what can happen to mental health during pregnancy, but also what can be done about it is vitally important.
When considering mental health, many people are quick to think about the role of hormones. And of course, this is one factor that can be a contributor to numerous changes in mood, behavior, and overall functioning. However, it is a disservice to pregnant people everywhere to imagine the conversation stops here. Instead, understanding the unique challenges of pregnancy provides a better foundation for improved care.
There are numerous changes to lifestyle that occur alongside pregnancy. A woman may change her diet, her clothes, and her routines to provide support for her and her baby’s body during these times. Some women may need to consider changes to medication regimens for physical and mental health conditions which can lead to increase in symptoms that were previously well-controlled. Not to mention the addition of fun new symptoms like nausea, vomiting, heart burn, pain, insomnia, and many other physical changes. Along with the pressure to ensure everything is being done to the best possible degree. Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? Gaining enough weight? Too much? Listening to music to help baby’s brain development? Exercising the right amount? Buying the right car seat or crib?
Even though it is impossible to be perfect in anything, the pressure persists to find the right answer. Only no one can agree on what that is. It becomes a pressure pot cooking up anxieties and fears for many women. For some people, this period also brings up unresolved problems in their own families, such as grief, anger, resentment, or fear.
Given all of these considerations, a mother’s mental health is very important, but sadly often overlooked. When meeting with my obstetrician, there were plenty of discussions around my physical health. My weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, proteins, and other details were meticulously tracked. Rarely did anyone ask about the mental side of things. At best, there were questions about sleep. And when I said I was not sleeping well, they laughed and said that was normal: “Get used to it, because there will not be more sleep when the baby is here.”
Fortunately, this is not how is has to be. If you are an expectant mother dealing with things that are wonderful and terrifying and beautiful and confusing and everything in between, there is no requirement that you do this alone.
Important Mental Health Considerations during Pregnancy
There are numerous expected changes which are not necessarily cause for alarm. Everyone has a bad day and, yes, hormones during pregnancy can make tears a more frequent occurrence than usual (I notably sobbed a great deal when I left my favorite mug at work one weekend). However, if these moods make it hard to take care of yourself, take care of needed tasks, or get along with others in your life, it is good to examine this more closely.
Prepartum or prenatal depression is a condition that occurs to around 7-9% of women in the US. It is similar to depression in other phases of life, but can have significant consequences for women and their children. Symptoms to be on the lookout for include low mood for multiple days in a row, loss of interest in things that used to be fun and enjoyable, frequent crying spells, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and changes to appetite or sleep. When not addressed, women may feel alone in the process, may not reach out for help, have lower attendance at prenatal appointments, may feel disconnected from pregnancy, and are at increased risk for development of postpartum depression, or depression that persists after the baby is born.
In addition, while it is understandable to have a lot of questions about many things during pregnancy, anxiety may also present as a significant problem. Again, if the anxiety interferes with daily activities, sleep, or relationships, it is good to examine this. People may notice anxiety about a wide range of situations and events. It can be very hard to leave these thoughts behind, even when persistently trying to focus on something else. Sometimes, this may lead to panic-like symptoms. Breathing can already be hard in later stages of pregnancy, where there is less room for the lungs and diaphragm to function as normal, but panic attacks can take your breath away. They may also be accompanied by rapid heart rate, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and other physical signs of stress.
Sleep can also be a major struggle during pregnancy. A friend of mine let me know not to be alarmed by text messages sent in the wee hours of the morning. That was just the time she was lying awake and looking for something to do! Up to 50% of pregnant women may suffer from insomnia. This will impact not only their energy levels, but may also play a role in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not to mention feeling mentally foggy. Insomnia during pregnancy may be related to hormones, anxieties that keep a person awake at night, discomfort from physical symptoms, or other challenges.
Mental Health Treatment during Pregnancy
There is good news. Not only does pregnancy not last forever, but also there are treatments that are safe, effective, and beneficial during pregnancy as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a well-studied treatment approach that can help address the many different symptoms that present during pregnancy. It has been researched and found to help women dealing with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other conditions. Seeking treatment early is also associated with improved outcomes for mother and baby.
Cognitive behavioral therapy often works by examining the behavior patterns and thought processes that contribute to certain moods. By working with a qualified therapist to unravel these patterns, a person can find new approaches that reduce mental burdens and support healthy behaviors.
If you believe you would benefit from help during this time, please reach out to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation so we can share with you how Upward Behavioral Health can help during this important stage of life.