Dictionary of Psychotherapy
Pregnancy
Many women have good mental health during pregnancy.
Some women may already have a mental illness when they get pregnant.
Others worry about mental health problems they have had in the past. They fear getting ill again during pregnancy or after childbirth. Some women have mental health problems for the first time in pregnancy.
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy.
How your mental health is affected during pregnancy depends on many things. These include the type of mental illness you have experienced, whether you are on treatment, recent stressful events in your life (such as a death in the family or a relationship ending), how you feel about your pregnancy.
You may or may not be happy about being pregnant. You may have upsetting memories about difficulties in your own childhood (132).
Some symptoms might focus on the pregnancy. For instance, you may have anxious or negative thoughts about your pregnancy or your baby.
You may find changes in your weight and shape difficult, particularly if you have had an eating disorder (132).
Find some time each week to do something which you enjoy, improves your mood or helps you to relax.
Let family and friends help you with housework, shopping etc.
Exercise (ask your midwife about exercise in pregnancy and local exercise classes).
Discuss any worries you may have with your family, your midwife, GP or call us.
Get regular sleep (132).
Counselling and Psychotherapy are recommended.
Counselling and Psychotherapy may be provided via Skype and FaceTime in the comfort of your home, office or any place of your choice.
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