Pregnancy is often regarded with excitement, but no matter how eagerly a child's birth is anticipated, stress and other forms of emotional distress are still likely to occur during the challenging period of pregnancy. Pregnancy issues may be mild or serious, but they can affect the health of the mother or child, put strain on a romantic partnership, and lead to life changes, both predicted and unpredictable.

When concerns that arise during pregnancy or after birth cause distress or otherwise affect one's mental health, the support of a therapist may be helpful. Though pregnancy can be challenging for both parents, in many cases the pregnant woman experiences the greatest amount of strain. A single mother may experience even higher levels of emotional distress, as single mothers may often lack help and support. Pregnancy proceeds smoothly for many women, but even an "easy" pregnancy may be accompanied by some mental or physical concerns, and many mothers-to-be experience stress or anxiety regarding the health of their child, the impending birth, or the variety of complications that can occur with pregnancy. These worries may be mild or severe, but the stress they can cause may lead some women to experience increased physical or mental strain, depression,, or poor physical health, all of which may lead to increased risk in childbirth.Pregnancy can put strain on a partnership, especially when a pregnancy was unplanned and partners have different goals. When one partner desires children and the other does not, for example, differing views about the outcome of the pregnancy may affect the relationship significantly. Even when both partners wish to have a child, being unprepared for the child's arrival financially or in other ways may still be a cause for concern. When a couple has unaddressed or unsolved relationship issues, their partnership may be further tested by the varied challenges of childrearing. If one or both partners is ambivalent to the idea of parenthood, having a baby may have a negative impact on the relationship, especially when other strains or stressors are present. Discussing any issues or parenting disagreements before pregnancy or before the child arrives may help a couple to become stronger, both as partners and as parents.

Symptoms of mental health concerns are the most common complication of childbirth. According to research:

• Between 15 and 20% of women experience clinically significant anxiety or depression after childbirth.

• Two thirds of mothers diagnosed with severe postpartum depression began experiencing changes in mood during pregnancy.

• Sixty percent of mothers with moderate postpartum depression had pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes.

• Stress experienced during pregnancy, especially Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and risky behavior (such as drinking or smoking) during pregnancy.

• Many women experience “baby blues"" or a period of low mood and tearfulness, for a week or two following childbirth. These feelings generally resolve with the support of one's partner or family. When they do not resolve or include hopelessness, negative thoughts about oneself or one's baby, or a loss of appetite, a more serious condition may be indicated.

• Postpartum psychosis is rare but serious: The condition is characterized by delusions, rapid mood swings. paranoia, and hallucinations and carries a 5% rate of suicide and a 4% rate of infanticide. Symptoms generally appear suddenly, within two weeks after giving birth.