Whether planned or unplanned, pregnancy can bring about a variety of emotions, from excitement to anxiety and fear.

If you’ve never been pregnant before, it’s normal to be curious about how your pregnancy and your pregnancy decision may impact your mental and emotional health.

Mental Health During Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant and feeling a little off, know you’re not alone. It’s common to experience anxiety, moodiness, and forgetfulness in pregnancy due to the physical and hormonal changes your body is going through.

Trying to navigate changing emotions on your own can feel overwhelming.

It’s important to share how you’re feeling with those closest to you, and if you ever begin to feel concerned about your mental health, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.

Research shows that a lack of social support is associated with the development of depression, anxiety, and self-harm during pregnancy, so it’s vital to surround yourself with others who can encourage you in this season.

If you lack support, building a community of other pregnant women can help you realize that you’re not alone in your challenges.

At Salem Pregnancy Care Center, we offer group life skill classes where you can meet other pregnant women and grow in your abilities as an individual and a parent.

It’s also important to note that your mental health matters, and you deserve help. During your pregnancy, if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, contact the Suicide Crisis Line at 288 right away.

Mental Health and Abortion

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel it’s just too much to bear and that choosing to terminate is your best option.

However, before deciding to have an abortion, it’s critical to recognize that abortion can both trigger the development of mental health issues and complicate existing challenges.

According to an article published by Cambridge University, when comparing women who had experienced abortion, pregnancy loss, unexpected pregnancies, and uneventful pregnancies, those who had a history of abortion were the only ones with an increase in mental health disorders.

Mental health issues noted in post-abortive women include:

• Grief
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Suicidal behaviors
• Substance abuse

Get Help Today

Salem Pregnancy Care Center wants to support you as you navigate your pregnancy.

In addition to our pregnancy support classes, we offer no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited obstetric ultrasounds to help you get answers.

Learning more about your pregnancy also allows you to discuss your options with our team and be prepared to make an informed decision.

Contact us today for your confidential appointment.

Salem Pregnancy Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.