Pregnancy is often described as a beautiful time — glowing skin, baby kicks, preparing for a new life. But what people don’t always talk about is the emotional rollercoaster that can come with it. Anxiety, mood swings, and loneliness are just as real as the joy.
As a mom-to-be myself, I’ve felt moments of overwhelm and wondered: where can I turn for support, especially in Switzerland where things are not always in my native language? Where can I go to get support with the overflowing of emotions that I am experiencing without feeling judged?
If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone. Here’s a guide to mental health resources, online platforms, and local Swiss services that can support you during pregnancy. I have mostly used online services but I’ll share a few offline finds that I have looked up as well.
Why Mental Health Support Matters in Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes can affect mood and anxiety.
- Life transitions (work, relationships, becoming a mom) can be overwhelming.
- Living abroad (if you’re an expat in Switzerland) may bring extra loneliness or cultural stress.
Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy isn’t just about you — it benefits your baby and your whole family.
Online Therapy Options for Moms-to-Be
If you’d like support in English, online therapy can be a great first step:
- BetterHelp → International platform with licensed therapists, many offering sessions in English. Great for flexible scheduling and you can choose preferences of your therapist. Being an Asian woman, I wanted a therapist would could possibly have some similar backgrounds or cultural understanding and they had a category for “Person of colour” and I also believe you can choose the preferred gender of the therapist to ensure your comfort. Download the app or read more here.
- Therapists in Switzerland (online sessions): Many local therapists offer video calls — search on doktor.ch or local.ch.
- Expat community groups (Facebook/Meetup) often recommend English-speaking therapists who understand the expat experience. I joined a Mama group called ‘The Real Mama’ recently from the Instagram profile of @art.andvogue.
Local Mental Health Resources in Switzerland
Here are some Switzerland-based options (Zurich & Aargau focused) that I have found through online search:
- Pro Mente Sana → Nationwide mental health support foundation, offers helplines and resources. promentesana.ch
- Dargebotene Hand (143 Helpline) → 24/7 emotional support hotline (multiple languages). Call 143 or visit 143.ch.
- Psychologists in Zurich/Aargau: Search via psychiatrie.ch or FSP.ch (many list English as a working language).
- Hospital Pregnancy Programs: Many Zurich hospitals (Triemli, Universitätsspital) offer pregnancy counseling and psychosocial support.
I have not experienced them myself directly but perhaps could be helpful to explore incase you’re keen to find more local support.
Community & Peer Support
Sometimes talking with other moms-to-be can be just as healing:
- La Leche League Switzerland → breastfeeding & mom support network. lll.ch
- Meetup Groups → search for “Zurich Moms” or “Expats with Kids” — many groups also support pregnant women.
- Instagram/FB local mom communities → faceless or small group accounts often provide encouragement + local tips.
Tips for Protecting Your Mental Health
- Don’t wait until you feel “bad enough” → reach out early.
- Build a support network (partner, friends, online community).
- Try journaling or guided meditation apps (like Headspace or Insight Timer).
- Create gentle routines that calm you (walks, cozy tea moments, naps without guilt).
Final Thoughts
Being a mom-to-be is emotional in every sense — joy, worry, excitement, and fear. If you find yourself struggling, please know: you’re not weak, you’re human.
Switzerland has excellent mental health support, but you need to know where to look. Whether it’s an online therapist through BetterHelp, a local English-speaking counselor in Zurich, or a support group of moms nearby, help is available.
You deserve to feel supported during this journey.
