Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy and anticipation. You see it in movies—moms-to-be lovingly cradle their baby bumps, friends throw beautifully themed baby showers, and partners are helpful and supportive without being asked. But what if your reality looks nothing like that? What if you’re pregnant and feeling alone, even when surrounded by loved ones?
First of all, know that you are not the only person who feels this way. Pregnancy loneliness is a very real phenomenon, and it affects more women than you might think. So, what causes these feelings, and how can you cope? We’ve got the answers you’re looking for.
Why Am I Feeling Lonely During Pregnancy?
Your feelings matter, and you are not overreacting. Several factors can contribute to feelings of loneliness during pregnancy:
- Physical changes: Your body is changing a lot right now. From no longer fitting into your favorite jeans to waking up at all hours of the night, you may feel exhausted and emotional for no apparent reason. These struggles can make you feel disconnected from the people around you, causing loneliness.
- Hormonal shifts: Pregnancy hormones are no joke. Besides making you cry at commercials and crave peanut butter on pickles, hormones can amplify feelings of loneliness. One moment, you’re fine, and the next, you’re wondering why you feel so isolated.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Your social life may be on the back burner while dealing with being too tired, too nauseous, or just not in the mood to go out. As a result, you might find yourself spending more time alone. Even if you’re home by choice, it can still feel isolating.
- Lack of understanding from others: Even if your partner, family, or friends are supportive, they’re not the ones carrying a tiny human inside them. It’s easy to feel like no one understands what you’re going through, which is an isolating experience.
Is It Normal to Feel Depressed While Pregnant?
Yes, many women experience pregnancy depression symptoms, which often go hand-in-hand with feeling lonely. Some common signs of pregnancy blues include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Irritability or anger that seems to come out of nowhere
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Changes in appetite (more than just pregnancy cravings)
- Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feeling like you don’t care about anything—including the pregnancy
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. There’s no shame in feeling depressed during pregnancy or reaching out for help.
Can You Take Antidepressants During Pregnancy?
Untreated depression increases the risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. So, if you’re struggling with pregnancy blues, you might wonder if it’s safe to take antidepressants while pregnant.
The answer isn’t black and white. In the case of severe, persistent symptoms that affect your ability to function, your doctor may recommend antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft and Prozac are most commonly prescribed because they’re considered the safest options.
If you’re already taking antidepressants when you become pregnant, do not stop them suddenly without talking to your doctor. Abruptly discontinuing medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and make depression worse.
How to Cope with Pregnancy Loneliness
So, what can you do when you’re pregnant and feeling alone? Here are some practical steps to help you feel more connected and supported:
- Find your people: If you’re feeling isolated, try connecting with other pregnant women. Seek out prenatal yoga classes, online pregnancy forums, or support groups in your area. Commiserating with others who are going through the same thing you are can be incredibly therapeutic.
- Talk to someone who cares: Your partner, a close friend, or a family member might think everything is fine unless you tell them otherwise. It’s okay to say, “I’m feeling lonely right now, and I need some support.” Those who love you want to be there for you—they simply might not realize you need them.
- Prioritize self-care: Self-care isn’t just about spa days, although those can certainly help. It’s about doing things that make you feel like you. Whether that’s journaling, reading a book, going for a walk, or binge-watching your favorite show, find small ways to take care of yourself emotionally.
- Exercise: Physical activity can do wonders for your mood. Even a short walk around the block can make a difference. Just make sure you don’t push yourself too hard during pregnancy.
- Seek professional support: It never hurts to reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, support, and strategies to help you navigate this time. Help is available, and you deserve to feel better.
Signs You Should Seek Help for Pregnancy Loneliness
While some loneliness is normal, you know it’s time to seek professional support if:
- Your sadness lasts for more than two weeks
- You feel completely disconnected from everyone and everything
- You’re having trouble functioning in daily life
- You’re experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
MindWell Urgent Care is Here to Help
At MindWell Urgent Care, we understand that pregnancy presents unique physical and emotional challenges. If you’re struggling with pregnancy loneliness or depression, we’re here to help. Our board-certified providers specialize in compassionate, patient-centered care, with urgent appointments available when needed. We offer in-person visits in Dallas, TX, and telepsychiatric virtual appointments for people in Texas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Florida, and Kansas. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with one of our providers today.