The experience of pregnancy is a time of transition in a woman’s life that may include some difficult emotions. Feelings of fear, loneliness, sadness, anxiety and loss are common. Up to 70% of pregnant women experience some of these feelings during their pregnancy while 20% experience depression that requires additional support and counselling.
Do you or your family notice any of the following?
- frequent crying
- increasing irritability and sensitivity
- change in appetite
- feeling sad/depressed
- lack of motivation
- disturbed sleep
- excessive worries about your health or the health of your baby
- anxiety or panic attacks
- recurrent obsessive or disturbing thoughts
It is important to pay attention to these experiences and to seek support. If left untreated, they may interfere with a woman’s ability to enjoy her pregnancy and take care of herself. They may also leave women more vulnerable to experiencing postpartum depression.
Women may experience emotional difficulties in pregnancy if they have experienced any of the following:
- past physical or sexual abuse
- a previous traumatic birth
- medical complications related to their general health or specifically related to their pregnancy
- previous pregnancy or newborn loss
- infertility
- difficult family relationships
- limited social supports
- unplanned pregnancy
- past history of depression, not related to pregnancy
- history of premenstrual syndrome
Call 613-848-3683 today to learn how you can feel better during your pregnancy.
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