5 Signs That You Should Start Pregnancy Counseling in California.

All pregnant mothers go through a 9-month metamorphosis that is not only physical in nature, but is psychological and emotional too. It is a huge transition encompassing changes that you are told you should be enjoying and eagerly anticipating, despite possible physical discomfort, emotional strain or social stressors. Excitement, joy and delight is not necessarily how you might be feeling. You may be experiencing quite the opposite! While this is very common, there are times when it those feelings may be causing too much distress, too many upset feelings and far too much worry. This is when pregnancy counseling can be helpful. Below are 5 signs that therapy may be needed:

1. A Sense of Dread

Many pregnant women experience an inexplicable and ominous feelings that something is just not right. Maybe you have a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach that something terrible is about to happen.

2. Excessive Worry and Intrusive Thoughts

The journey through pregnancy brings many changes. Your worry seems to increase, and it extends to not just yourself but to your baby. You may even have intrusive thoughts that might feel very scary and upsetting. You might even begin to change your behaviors in an (unsuccessful) attempt to mitigate these thoughts. Perhaps you have experienced panic attacks.

3. A Disconnect with Your Experience

You might find it difficult to connect with your pregnancy and your growing baby. Your sense of motherhood might feel elusive. Perhaps you experience a sense of numbness when thinking about your baby and becoming a mother.

4. Rage and Resentment

No matter how prepared you thought you were for pregnancy, the changes you experience may be uncomfortable and unsettling. You have also probably noticed that your relationship with your partner begins to change. This may all come out in feelings of rage and resentment. The rage can be directed at all different kinds of things. You might rage about what others expect of you, rage about missing out on other parts of your life, rage about how becoming a mother will impact your career, and sometimes rage for no apparent reason.

5. Thoughts of Harm

When mothers neglect their feelings for too long, thoughts of harming yourself or others might begin to creep in. If you ever have these thoughts or feelings, please do not hesitate to seek help and support immediately.

You Are Not Alone

When it comes to pregnancy, many women feel they should be glowing and happy all the time. This makes admitting that you are struggling all the more difficult, if not impossible. So, even though you are suffering on the inside, you put on a really good face for the outside world and pretend you are fine.

It is important that you don’t feel ashamed to speak your truth and share your experience. Your experience is common to many women. You are not alone, and as soon as you can speak about your experience and what you are feeling, you begin your journey toward healing.

At Headway Therapy, we specialize in the perinatal experience and we would love to help you come out of the darkness and back into the light. This could mean simply listening to your story, developing tools and strategies to manage distress, helping you make lifestyle changes, or even working with you and your partner to develop your support system. If you are ready to begin pregnancy counseling, follow the steps below:

1. Contact Headway Therapy.
2. Meet with one of our expert perinatal therapists.
3. Enjoy your pregnancy.

Other Counseling Services at Headway Therapy

Pregnancy counseling is not the only service we offer in our Encinitas therapy group. Other mental health services at Headway Therapy include treatment for depression and mood, anxiety treatment, therapy for teens, therapy for children, counseling and support for infertility, therapy after miscarriage, and postpartum counseling. We look forward to connecting with you!