From Sunshine to Rain: Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Pregnancy

In Seattle the weather is so changeable that people who live here have a saying, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes”. In the course of an hour it could go from overcast and gray to pouring rain to blue skies and sunny.

A lot of pregnant people find a similar thing happening with their emotions. One minute they’re happy with not a care in the world, and the next they’re bawling into the couch cushions because of a cute dog in a Super Bowl commercial.

This is completely to be expected during the first trimester, but some pregnant people find it continuing and escalating into prenatal anxiety or depression, even with a very much wanted pregnancy. Postpartum depression is talked about a lot, but prenatal depression really isn’t so people don't realize it’s a thing. It’s actually the biggest prenatal complication suffered in pregnancy.

if you are feeling anxious or depressed and it lasts two weeks or more, please reach out for help. And if it’s extreme, please don't wait the two weeks. Your OBGYN or midwife should be able to refer you to a perinatal therapist and may also check your thyroid. You can also contact ​Perinatal Support International who can refer you to therapists and support groups in your area.

Prenatal depression is not something to be ashamed of and is absolutely something you should seek help with, in the same way you would for any other pregnancy complication.

In my birth classes, I encourage families to download ​this app ​and take the test every week throughout your pregnancy and the first few months of your baby’s life. Set a reminder on your phone for the same day every week and take the test. Suggest your partner takes it too. Partners get prenatal and postpartum depression too and are less likely than pregnant people to seek help.