Can You Do EMDR While Pregnant? Is EMDR Safe During Pregnancy?"
Can You Do EMDR While Pregnant?
A common question we hear in online EMDR therapy is: “Can you do EMDR while pregnant?” or “Is EMDR safe during pregnancy?” The short answer is yes—but let’s look at why and how EMDR while pregnant can be both safe and effective.
Pregnancy is a time filled with change, emotions, and transitions. While exciting, it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re carrying unresolved trauma. Some people enter pregnancy already coping with childhood trauma or past triggers, while others experience trauma during pregnancy itself. Both situations can make pregnancy feel daunting.
With online EMDR therapy, we look at how trauma is affecting your nervous system today. If you have past trauma that doesn’t regularly impact you, it may be better to process it after birth. However, if trauma is actively triggering you, weighing heavily on your body, or disrupting your day-to-day life, EMDR during pregnancy may be the best choice.
Is EMDR Safe During Pregnancy?
Many people ask, “Is EMDR safe during pregnancy?” Research shows that EMDR while pregnant is not only safe, but can also be highly beneficial. Trauma doesn’t just live in your mind—it lives in your body. Leaving trauma unresolved while pregnant can increase stress for both you and your baby.
Like any trauma therapy, online EMDR therapy can temporarily make emotions feel more intense before they improve. That’s why we carefully consider how the “trauma curve” may affect daily functioning before starting EMDR. If symptoms are already overwhelming, working through EMDR while pregnant can actually bring greater relief and support overall well-being. You can read more about the trauma curve and how it impacts individuals here.
Why Some Providers Hesitate
Unfortunately, some providers avoid trauma work and EMDR while pregnant out of fear of causing harm. But avoiding EMDR altogether may prevent healing and prolong suffering. When done with a trained EMDR therapist, EMDR while pregnant is safe, evidence-based, and often more supportive than leaving trauma untreated. Read more about some of the research supporting EMDR while pregnant and the question of “Is EMDR safe during pregnancy?” here.
Considering EMDR While Pregnant?
If you’re wondering, “Can you do EMDR while pregnant?” or want to know if EMDR is safe during pregnancy for your specific situation, scheduling a consultation is the best next step. Every pregnancy and trauma history is unique, and working with a qualified EMDR therapist can help you determine the right timing for your healing.
👉 Reach out to us today for a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about EMDR while pregnant and whether it’s the right support for you.
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Soteria Mental Health
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