Perinatal psychologist: what kind of specialist is this and when to consult them
Kyiv • UNN
Perinatal psychology covers the psychology of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Specialists help overcome fear, anxiety and postpartum depression.
Pregnant women and women who have recently given birth often face anxiety, mood swings, and psycho-emotional stress. It is in such cases that a perinatal psychologist can come to the rescue. What are the specifics of a specialist in this field - read in the material of UNN.
As a separate field, perinatal psychology began to form around the 1970s. This field generally covered the psychology of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Over time, the field has developed and now covers, in particular, issues of infertility or enhancing parental potential.
What issues does a perinatal psychologist work with?
The work of a perinatal psychologist can begin even before pregnancy occurs, as quite often infertility in women has a psychogenic nature. In addition, a psychologist can help with pregnancy planning.
During pregnancy, the specialist works, in particular, with the fear of childbirth, helps a woman accept the physiological changes that accompany pregnancy. The specialist also helps overcome anxiety about fetal development.
Competent psychological help replaces taking many medications during pregnancy. Because, by entrusting your burdens to a psychologist, you free your body from negative energy. And the process of your pregnancy proceeds favorably, you feel good and rejoice in future motherhood,
Work can also be done in a pair with the child's father to overcome psychological problems in relationships, which sometimes worsen during pregnancy, or to prepare for partner childbirth.
After the birth of a child, some women face postpartum depression, increased anxiety, and other psycho-emotional challenges – specialized psychologists also work with this. It is also recommended to consult a specialist if difficulties arise with forming attachment or establishing emotional contact with the child.
Perinatal psychologists also provide consultations in special cases, for example, surrogacy, missed miscarriage, loss of a child and fear of a new pregnancy, as well as in cases of detecting developmental defects in a child while still in the womb.