Elaine Candeloro, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNM
Pregnancy is one of the most profound transformations a person can experience. In less than a year, your body, hormones, relationships, career, finances, identity, and daily routines can change dramatically. While much of the focus during pregnancy is on physical health, your emotional well-being is just as important, and the two are deeply connected.
Every pregnancy is unique, and every person experiences this transition differently. Some pregnancies are carefully planned, while others come as a surprise. Regardless of how your journey begins, becoming responsible for another life can bring excitement, uncertainty, joy, fear, and everything in between.
Pregnancy also has a way of bringing unresolved emotions to the surface. Previous trauma, pregnancy loss, difficult childhood experiences, relationship challenges, or past abuse may become more noticeable during this time. Hormonal changes can amplify emotions, while physical discomfort, financial concerns, career decisions, and changing family dynamics add additional stress. Friends, family members, coworkers, and even strangers may offer unsolicited advice or comment on your body, birth plans, or parenting decisions.
If something feels emotionally triggering during pregnancy or childbirth, tell your healthcare provider. We want to know. Understanding your concerns allows us to help create a safer, more supportive experience.
It's also important to remember that emotional symptoms can sometimes be caused—or worsened—by physical conditions such as thyroid disorders, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, chronic pain, sleep deprivation, or pregnancy complications. If you are struggling, don't assume you simply have to "push through."
One of the most challenging aspects of pregnancy is that no two experiences are exactly alike.
If possible, schedule a preconception visit before becoming pregnant. This provides an opportunity to discuss your
medical history, medications, mental health, nutrition, and answer any questions before pregnancy begins.
Once pregnant:
Eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, prioritizing sleep, and staying hydrated are some of the many things you can do to support the health of yourself and your baby.
In addition to attending to your physical wellbeing, nurture your spirit.
Continue activities that bring you joy. Spend time with supportive people. Read books, enjoy hobbies, listen to music, take walks, laugh often, and make time for rest.
Mental health concerns are not always obvious to the person experiencing them. You can expect that your healthcare provider will frequently ask about your mental health, and sometimes offer a screening tool to ask specific questions.
It's also helpful to perform your own "mental inventory" every so often.
Ask yourself:
Discuss these questions with your partner or someone you trust. They may notice changes before you do.
While occasional worry is completely normal, anxiety becomes a concern when it interferes with daily life.
Symptoms may include:
Intrusive thoughts are surprisingly common after having a baby. They do not mean you want to harm your baby. However, if these thoughts become frequent, distressing, or difficult to manage, please tell your healthcare provider.
Effective treatment is available.
Depression during pregnancy and after birth is common and treatable.
Symptoms may include:
These symptoms are not a sign of weakness, and they are not a reflection of your ability to be a good parent.
Postpartum psychosis is rare, but it is a true medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Warning signs include:
If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Building a support system before your baby arrives can make the transition into parenthood much smoother.
Your village may include:
If you're new to town—or the first person in your friend group to have a baby—building a village may take intention.
Here are a few local resources to help you get started:
Social media is still relatively new, and we're continuing to learn how it affects mental health.
Ask yourself honestly:
Have you ever finished scrolling and genuinely felt better?
Algorithms quickly learn your fears and feed you more content related to them.
While social media can provide education, practical tips, and a sense of community, it can also leave parents feeling confused, fearful, guilty, or like they're never doing enough.
If you notice social media increasing your anxiety, consider replacing some screen time with trusted educational resources, books, podcasts, local classes, or conversations with healthcare professionals.
If you have a personal history of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, or previous postpartum depression or anxiety, don't wait until symptoms become severe.
Establish care with a mental health professional during pregnancy whenever possible.
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counseling. Many parents find that scheduling a dedicated mental wellness visit during pregnancy gives them tools to navigate the transition into parenthood more confidently.
Also review your insurance benefits and employer assistance programs. Many plans now include virtual counseling, making mental health care more accessible than ever.
Most importantly, know that asking for help is a sign of strength—not failure.
You are not expected to navigate pregnancy or parenthood perfectly.
Some days will feel joyful. Others may feel overwhelming.
Whether you're experiencing mild anxiety, postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, or simply feeling unlike yourself, help is available—and treatment works.
Please don't wait until you're in crisis. Talk with your obstetric provider, primary care provider, therapist, or another trusted healthcare professional.
Taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your baby, and your growing family.
If you need support, you are not alone.