Pregnancy therapy in Los Angeles

Many expectant mothers feel pressure to embrace every moment of pregnancy with joy. But the truth is, pregnancy is an emotional journey filled with ups, downs, and unexpected challenges. Therapy provides a space to process your emotions, ease your fears, and prepare for motherhood in a way that feels safe and empowering.

In case you are new here, I’m Karla Hernandez, a maternal mental health therapist specializing in pregnancy therapy in Los Angeles. If you are struggling with anxiety, mood swings, or emotional distress during pregnancy, you are not alone—and you deserve support.

Pregnancy therapy is a space where you can be honest about how you’re feeling—without guilt, judgment, or pressure to “just enjoy every moment.”

Whether you’re dealing with mood swings, pregnancy-related anxiety, or fears about birth and postpartum, therapy helps you:

• Manage anxiety and stress related to labor, delivery, and new motherhood
• Navigate the emotional and identity shifts of pregnancy
• Heal from past losses, fertility struggles, or traumatic births
• Prepare mentally and emotionally for postpartum
• Feel more supported and connected to your pregnancy journey

You don’t have to carry these emotions alone. Therapy can provide relief, validation, and tools to help you feel more at peace during pregnancy.

If you are struggling emotionally during pregnancy, you may experience:

• Constant worry or intrusive thoughts about birth, labor, or becoming a mother
• Mood swings, irritability, or feeling emotionally drained
• Guilt for not feeling “excited enough” about pregnancy
• Feeling disconnected from your pregnancy, your body, or your baby
• Resurfacing emotions from past pregnancy losses or birth trauma
• Fear that your relationship with your partner will change
• Struggles with setting boundaries with family or medical providers

If any of this feels familiar, therapy can help you navigate these emotions in a way that feels supportive and empowering.

If you are unsure whether therapy could help, ask yourself:

• Do I constantly feel anxious, worried, or overwhelmed about my pregnancy or birth?
• Am I experiencing racing thoughts or worst-case-scenario fears that won’t go away?
• Have I noticed increased sadness, irritability, or frequent mood swings?
• Am I feeling disconnected from my body, baby, or sense of self?
• Do I feel pressure to “do everything right” and guilt when I don’t?
• Am I struggling with past losses, infertility trauma, or previous birth experiences?

If you answered yes to any of these, pregnancy therapy can provide the support, clarity, and emotional tools you need to feel more at ease.

My approach to pregnancy therapy in Los Angeles is based on trauma-informed, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Every mother’s experience is unique, and therapy is tailored to your specific needs.

Some areas we may focus on include:

• Managing pregnancy-related anxiety and intrusive thoughts
• Healing past trauma related to birth, pregnancy loss, or medical experiences
• Developing coping strategies for emotional overwhelm
• Helping you advocate for your needs with your birth team and loved ones
• Emotionally preparing for postpartum and the transition into motherhood

I use a combination of:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage anxious thoughts and emotions
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to regulate stress
• Self-compassion and boundary-setting strategies to reduce guilt and pressure
• Guided emotional preparation for postpartum to ease the transition into motherhood

Therapy is not about eliminating worries entirely—it’s about helping you navigate them with greater clarity and confidence.

Every mother’s experience is different, but some common areas we can explore in therapy include:

• Managing pregnancy-related anxiety, stress, and mood changes
• Processing unexpected emotions, fears, or guilt
• Healing from past pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, or birth trauma
• Navigating changing relationships and partner communication
• Emotionally preparing for postpartum and the identity shift into motherhood

Therapy is a space where you can speak openly, process emotions, and find the support you need.

• Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing or body scanning to manage stress
• Set boundaries around advice and expectations—your pregnancy, your rules
• Build a supportive birth team that respects your choices and mental health needs
• Join a pregnancy support group to connect with other expectant mothers
• Prioritize basic self-care—nourishing meals, gentle movement, and meaningful rest

If you are struggling, seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of self-care for both you and your baby.