You just found out you are pregnant.  Excitement and happiness fill you inside and out, but those feelings quickly morph into feelings of panic and worry.  As you sit there thinking, you grab your laptop and begin a google search to figure out if those pinches you are feeling are normal.  It is then you begin to question everything about what could possibly go wrong or has already gone wrong.  What if you haven’t been eating healthy?  What if you move too much or move a certain way?  Each new day proves to be more and more difficult to concentrate because you are filled with thoughts about all the “what ifs.”  How will you ever get through the 9 months ahead with all this worry is what you think next.  

Do not worry, you are not alone. There is hope and therapy can help you. Below, is an outline of symptoms, situations, and factors to consider in helping you decide if counseling and therapy is right for you.

Symptoms

According to the DSM V, the following are common symptoms of anxiety:

1. Excessive worry over the health of your baby
2. Ruminating or persistent thoughts about the fear and worry
3. Agitation and/or irritability
4. Restlessness, inability to sit still, and/or feeling on edge
5. Lack of focus and poor concentration
6. Fatigue or issues with sleep
7. Increase in somatic symptoms such as muscle tension, upset stomach, etc.

External Factors

There are current external factors you are living through such as but not limited to, stressful work environments, family difficulties, relationship troubles, and other life struggles.

Internal Factors

Internal factors are those that you have previously experienced yourself and may be adding to your symptoms such as a previous experience with anxiety, you have suffered a prenatal loss, or you experienced difficulty in trying to conceive among other situations.

If you feel that you can identify with some of these things listed above, reach out for help today.  It is so important for you to be as healthy as possible for yourself and your baby.  There is hope in feeling peace and calming your mind.  Contact me today to discuss if therapy is right for you.