Pregnancy is a time when we are often expected to feel happy and excited and, for lots of different reasons, this isn’t always the case. Many women experience anxiety or low mood during this period which can be related to a whole range of issues. Perhaps you worry about being a good enough mother, perhaps you are feeling anxious about the birth itself or worried about something bad happening to your baby. If you have experienced perinatal losses, such as miscarriage or stillbirth, you may feel fearful in pregnancy or of the prospect of another pregnancy.

Research shows that at least 1 in 3 birth parents find some aspect of their birth traumatic. Therapy can help you to process memories of your birth which can reduce feelings of fear and anxiety and help you to feel more confident about giving birth again. It can also be helpful to think through your birth preferences which take into account your previous experiences. Putting a plan in place for next time can increase your sense of safety and security in giving birth again.

Like pregnancy, the arrival of a new baby is a time when we are often expected to feel joy and ‘a rush of love’. The post-natal period, though, brings with it many challenges and huge changes. Hormonal changes and sleep deprivation along with the changes to our roles, identities and relationships can feel overwhelming. You might have worries about whether you are ‘getting it right’, worries about harm coming to your baby or distressing intrusive thoughts. Becoming a parent ourselves often brings up memories of the ways in which we were parented. For some people this can be distressing and lead to fears of repeating aspects of their own parenting that they would prefer to leave behind or do differently.

Perinatal losses, such as miscarriage, still birth, unsuccessful IVF cycles and termination for medical reasons, are often sudden and unexpected. Experiencing loss at any stage of pregnancy can be life-changing and often traumatic. Before we even meet our babies, our relationship with them can feel strong and so grief after loss can feel profound. Psychological therapy can help to process feelings of grief and trauma, and to navigate what is a hugely difficult time. Evidence-based therapies such as EMDR can help process the trauma associated with these kinds of losses.

The transition to parenthood commonly impacts on the couple relationship. As our roles, identities and lifestyle shifts, so too do the dynamics in our relationships. Difficulties in couple relationships are more likely if there have been challenges in the transition to parenthood, such as difficulties in conceiving, antenatal or postnatal anxiety. You may also find that difficulties arise because you have very different parenting styles. Having a space to explore these issues and the ways in which they are communicated can reduce tensions in the relationship and leave you feeling more supported.