Pregnancy & Postpartum
Pregnancy brings along with it many feelings, emotions, and experiences - many of them joyful, welcome, and wonderful. This is the story that many pregnant woman all around may be able to tell. However, if you are a pregnant woman who is struggling, emotionally, to get out of bed in the morning or you are experiencing a debilitating level of anxiety about your pregnancy due to a recent pregnancy loss, this pregnancy might not reflect one of the most thrilling times in your life.
Although there is more known today than in the past about postpartum-related mental illnesses, emotional and psychological impairments are not merely restricted to the post-delivery period of the pregnancy journey. Research has suggested that experiences of anxiety and mood impairments during pregnancy can increase a woman's risk for experiencing postpartum-related depression after delivery. In addition, there are several other emotional or psychological issues that women may experience during pregnancy, including:
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- PTSD
- Manic or hypomanic symptoms
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
After delivery, some women may also experience emotional and psychological difficulties. Varying from woman to woman, emotional changes during the postpartum period can range from less severe "tearing up" for a couple of weeks after the baby's delivery to quite taxing, or even frightening, emotional outbursts and mood swings. There may even be experiences of psychosis (hallucinations or delusions) for some. Feelings of happiness and love for your newborn may be accompanied by feelings of helplessness, sadness, and anxiety.
Some of the most common emotional challenges and mental health issues that arise during the postpartum period are:
- The "baby blues"
- Postpartum depression
- Delivery-related anxiety, stress reactions, and trauma (OCD, PTSD)
- Postpartum psychosis
If you are suffering from a pregnancy or postpartum-related mental health issue, it is essential that you receive the proper care and support for the health and well-being of yourself and your baby. If you are currently experiencing a life-threatening or other emergency situation and you or your baby are at risk, call 911 immediately for assistance.
If you desire an initial consultation, you are able to discuss your situation, and you are not currently experiencing an emergency situation, please call 951.291.7080. I look forward to speaking with you about how I might be of help.
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Teletherapy services are provided to clients in any city or county, in the state of California.
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Dr. Cook offers teletherapy services for adult residents of Orange County (Anaheim, Fullerton, Brea, Yorba Linda, La Habra, Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach, Westminster, Fountain Valley) and throughout the state of California. Psychoeducation and other mental health information is provided at appointments to assist clients as they progress through the stages of their therapy. The links and information presented on this website are for informational purposes only. They are not meant to be used to diagnose any particular condition or disorder. The information presented here is also not meant to replace the professional opinion and advice of your physician. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed and you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 911 or visit the emergency room of your local hospital.
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