Pregnancy & Postpartum

Whether you’re experiencing your first pregnancy or have gone through this a few times, pregnancy can still be a stressful experience. Not only are you concerned about the health of your unborn child, but you’re also concerned for yourself. In addition to stress during pregnancy, women also may experience postpartum stress, depression, or anxiety. Having a baby can change your entire life, and the desire to be a perfect mom is often there, which can be incredibly overwhelming. So if you’re experiencing stress during your pregnancy or trying to navigate your life postpartum, consider therapy in San Diego.

Stress and Pregnancy

While it’s often not discussed, stress is pretty common during pregnancy. Your hormones are going through a significant shift, and you might be experiencing morning sickness, with both being unpleasant experiences. However, although pregnancy stress is pretty normal, it’s still not good for you if it’s occurring all the time. In fact, it increases your chances of having a premature baby or one with a low birth weight. Stress could also impact your baby’s brain development and immune system, which could potentially cause issues for your child down the road. In addition, stress ups your risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure. Therefore, controlling the stress you’re experiencing is important during pregnancy.

Postpartum Stress

After you have the baby, a new set of stress might come on. Maybe you’re getting a lack of sleep, worried about your baby’s health, or growing concerned about your post-pregnancy body. It could also be that you’re experiencing financial pressure or not receiving the support you expected from your partner. If you’re feeling any of these things, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, the baby blues affects 33% to 80% of all postpartum mothers, and postpartum depression impacts 25% of new mothers. If left untreated, postpartum depression can significantly damage a mother's health or even lead to the baby being harmed. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek therapy in San Diego if you’re experiencing intense postpartum stress and aren’t sure if you can get out of it alone.

Ways To Reduce Stress While Pregnant

In addition to getting a therapist in San Diego, you should also consider self-management. Pay attention to what triggers you and, if possible, avoid those things. For example, many moms immerse themselves in mommy and baby blogs and compare themselves to others on social media, which can be overwhelming. Another thing you can do is eat a well-balanced diet because food can interfere with your feelings and tummy. Lastly, if your doctor approves, try yoga or do light exercises, which are known for boosting people's moods.

Ways to Reduce Stress Postpartum

The best treatment for postpartum depression is talk therapy in San Diego. A licensed therapist will speak with you one-on-one about your feelings and give you strategies to cope with those feelings. In some cases, your therapist may recommend antidepressant medications, which can help regulate the chemicals in your brain causing your mood. One concern that many new moms have is leaving their baby to go to a therapist's office, but with Perlman Wellness, you wouldn’t have this issue. Fortunately, our therapy sessions are 100% online, so you’ll be able to receive sound advice and strategies from the comforts of your home. 

Consider Therapy in San Diego for Pregnancy and Postpartum Stress

Having a baby is a joyous occasion, but it can also be incredibly scary and overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone. Schedule an appointment today to enjoy the benefits of online therapy with experienced and trained therapists at Perlman Wellness.