In this article, you’ll find information about what can cause fears of pregnancy and provide coping strategies. Whether you’re currently pregnant or considering starting a family in the future, my hope is that this information will help you find a good starting point in addressing fears or trauma so that you can enter a new pregnancy with more optimism, enjoyment and a sense of empowerment.

What is EMDR? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly researched therapy and has been found to be effective in treating trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and ears at any stage of life, including during pregnancy.

Traumatic stress is a response to a frightening or life-threatening experience---real or perceived. It's not a sign of weakness, and it's also an involuntary neurobiological reaction.

You may have negative feelings about your pregnancy, your baby's birth or your own body. And having a history of trauma also increases the risk of traumatic stress and PTSD. Current research is indicating that rates of PMADs, perinatal PTSD and traumatic stress have increased during the pandemic.

In my practice, I use EMDR to help women and new moms heal from trauma before, during and after pregnancy. EMDR can be used alone or with other therapies to relieve symptoms that can cause you to feel overwhelmed, stuck or hopeless.