Pregnancy is an exciting time. You will soon become the father of a cute villain. You may wish to experience a roller coaster of anxiety during pregnancy, or emotions may catch you off guard.
Some women are happy with every slap or kick and marvel at their changing bodies. For other women, pregnancy is difficult and will not give them any chance to breathe, because it will bring severe fatigue, mood swings, and constant worry.
You may notice that over time, your thoughts will lose control, which affects your work performance and family relationships. But how do you manage your anxiety, how should you treat it?
What are the causes of anxiety during pregnancy?
Worries during pregnancy are common. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, previous heartbreaking miscarriages and sleep difficulties can all cause anxiety for expectant mothers.
You may worry about how your baby will affect your relationship with friends or family, the health of your future child, the birth experience, or the financial burden of additional family members.
All these worries are completely normal. For humans, a certain degree of anxiety is protective; how else can we motivate ourselves to complete work or avoid bears?
What are the causes of anxiety during pregnancy?
Worries during pregnancy are common. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, previous heartbreaking miscarriages, and sleep difficulties can all cause anxiety for expectant mothers.
You may worry about how your baby will affect your relationship with friends or family, the health of your future child, the birth experience, or the financial burden of additional family members.
All these worries are completely normal. For humans, a certain degree of anxiety is protective; how else can we motivate ourselves to complete work or avoid bears?
Anxiety can occur at any time during pregnancy, or it can occur for the first time after childbirth (perinatal anxiety refers to anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth).
The incidence of generalized anxiety disorder in the first three months seems to be higher, which may be due to hormonal changes.
The most common symptoms of anxiety disorders include constant worry, restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, fear, inability to concentrate, and difficulty falling asleep due to worry.
Some women also experience symptoms from other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale) is not good at detecting anxiety during pregnancy. Although underdiagnosed, pregnancy and postpartum anxiety are common and can affect up to one in five women. Many women suffer silently.
How does untreated anxiety affect the fetus?
When considering managing anxiety, it is important to consider the risks of treatment and the dangers of untreated anxiety.
Although there are few studies on depression, studies have shown that anxiety can negatively affect mothers and fetuses.
Anxiety increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, premature birth, and smaller head circumference (related to brain size).
What are the treatments for anxiety during pregnancy?
There are many treatments that can reduce anxiety during pregnancy and help you feel better. For many women, anti-anxiety drugs are not an option during pregnancy because there is little information about the safety of such drugs to the fetus.
Some women who have taken anxiety medications before may wish to stop taking them during pregnancy for personal reasons.
Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) show promise during the perinatal period (before, during, and shortly after delivery).
CBT focuses on challenging maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and uses anxiety management strategies such as diaphragmatic breathing (adaptation to pregnancy).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth. SSRIs do not seem to be associated with an increased risk of major birth defects.
However, SSRIs may be associated with transient neonatal symptoms, such as nervousness, tremors, crying, and feeding difficulties, which will subside on their own within a few days.
Although earlier studies have shown an association between their use and increased risk of cleft lip and palate, a recent study using benzodiazepines during pregnancy did not show this association when these drugs are used alone (although Combined use may increase the risk) antidepressants).
What else can help anxiety during pregnancy?
- Get regular physical exercise. Generally speaking, it is safe to perform physical activity during pregnancy. However, if you are at risk of preterm birth or have complications during pregnancy, please consult your doctor first.
- Ensure adequate sleep. Whether it’s a relaxing bedtime routine, a pregnancy pillow, or a couple of nights in bed with a partner who stays away from snoring, now is the time to learn what works for sleep.
- Practice mindfulness. Studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce worries about childbirth and even prevent postpartum depression.
- Keep a diary. Writing down your concerns can help you think about possible solutions and allow you to reflect on your concerns.
- Arrange time for troubles. We often worry because we don’t want to forget something. Spending 30 minutes at the end of the day gives you time to worry effectively, but it can free you from worries for the rest of the day (practice reminding yourself “I will consider these ideas later”).
- Yoga, massage, meditation and acupuncture. Finding a relaxation technique that suits you may require some experimentation, but the benefits will continue even after the baby is born.