Pregnancy and Mental Health Amid COVID-19
Pregnancy and childbirth are challenging under normal circumstances, but especially right now as shifting healthcare policies and social distancing measures have turned even the most routine checkup into anything but, well…routine.
Add on the weight of job losses or salary cutbacks and fears around getting sick and it’s understandable why there are heightened concerns around mental health in the prenatal community.
What’s Changed for Pregnant Women During COVID?
There are many things out of the ordinary right now, but the most obvious changes for expectant mothers are logistical.
Hospitals and clinics have adapted their policies to fit the pandemic, including limiting the number of people allowed during prenatal visits and inside the delivery room. Doctors and midwives have, in some cases, been asking their patients to skip routine check-ups or replace them with virtual appointments to minimize contact.
When it comes to blood tests, ultrasounds and other appointments that can’t be done via tele-medicine, women are likely to face enhanced health and safety measures at their clinic(s) — including restrictions around their movement and mandatory masks — that are beyond what they’d experience under normal circumstances.
What Impacts Can All This Have on Mental Health?
We’re living through a time of great uncertainty when emotions are running high. Put pregnancy on top of that and the mental health toll can be significant for expectant mothers.
Fear and Anxiety:
What happens if I get sick? Is the hospital a safe environment for me and my newborn? These questions and many more are likely swirling through the minds of pregnant women right now and it’s understandable why, even as extra precautions are being taken to keep moms and newborns safe. There are still more questions than answers about COVID-19 and uncertainty can be a breeding ground for fear.
Discouragement and Frustration:
The disruption and inconvenience caused by COVID-19 is compounding an already challenging time and you could be feeling resentful (or frankly, just mad) about having to deal with it. These feelings are valid and reasonable; you were not expecting to have to overcome these additional hurdles while growing a baby.
Sadness and Grief:
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy and the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 are depriving women of many exciting experiences from baby showers and baby shopping to prenatal classes. This feeling of loss is understandable as women try and reconcile their hopes and expectations with this new reality.
4 Strategies for Pregnant Women Amid COVID-19
Below are some strategies you may find effective if you or a pregnant loved one are struggling to cope amid COVID-19.
Reach Out:
Even though we are limited with our physical contacts right now, it’s important to stay in touch with loved ones and health professionals to ensure you’re feeling emotionally and medically supported. Virtual platforms, like Zoom and FaceTime, are ideal for staying connected with your inner circle.
Stay Informed:
Research and guidelines are changing all the time so be sure you’re staying on top of updates related to pregnancy and childbirth during COVID-19. Online prenatal classes, like this one offered by the City of Toronto, are another way of accessing important information from the safety of your home. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; knowledge is empowering!
Get Grounded:
During stressful moments, it’s helpful to engage in activities that feel grounding, healthy and/or personally fulfilling. For example, exercising, meditation or simply going for a (socially distanced) walk are healthy distractions that can do wonders for your psyche.
Speak With a Professional:
Many therapists, including me,, are shifting their practices online to accommodate clients during the pandemic. Connecting with a mental health practitioner, either virtually or by phone, can be a healthy way to express and manage what you’re going through.
Final Thoughts
This is a challenging time to be pregnant and it’s necessary to treat your mental health as important as your physical health. If you find yourself struggling right now, feel free to reach out to Midtown Toronto Therapy. We are experts in prenatal counselling and it would be our pleasure to help you through this difficult time.
