A pregnant woman can be depressed and anxious, yet not have a clue about all the signs she is exhibiting. Here’s everything every mom-to-be needs to know and understand:
Pregnancy Guide 101: Pregnancy is a crucial and life-changing experience for an expectant mother and her family members. Having a baby is a major milestone, so a pregnant woman may experience mixed emotions. One minute, she may be overwhelmed with happiness and joy, while the next minute, she may be overwhelmed with sadness and fear. Also, she experiences a series of hormonal changes that can cause her to become quite emotional and even grumpy. It is natural for a pregnant woman to experience a variety of emotions during pregnancy and after delivery. Dr. Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant, OB/GYN, Motherhood Hospitals Hebbal, Bangalore, reveals an expectant mother experiences perinatal mental health issues due to unpleasant symptoms. The expert also shares concerns, causes, effects and how to treat them.
MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OF A PREGNANT WOMAN
- The change in her role and her relationships from being a woman to being a mother.
- Fear of complications during pregnancy or the growth of the baby.
- The responsibility of being a good parent.
- The fear of being alone due to lack of support.
MENTAL HEALTH CAUSE AND EFFECT ON A PREGNANT WOMAN
- Early signs of being diagnosed with a mental illness
- Stopping Medications Due to a Mental Health Problem
- Recent events stimulated stress.
- Feelings regarding the pregnancy.
- Difficult childhood memories.
- Low self-esteem
- Experiencing abuse in the past
WHEN SHOULD A PREGNANT WOMAN SEEK HELP?
It is important that all mothers-to-be and their family members monitor their mental health and well-being by looking for signs and symptoms such as:
- Negative feelings and thoughts affect daily activities.
- Feeling bad for more than two weeks
- Experiencing hopelessness or loss of interest, indicating signs of perinatal depression.
- Suffering from panic attacks and perinatal anxiety or developing obsessive or compulsive behaviors
6 TIPS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN TO MANAGE HER MENTAL WELL-BEING
- Be realistic and avoid high expectations
- Avoid making significant changes, such as changing jobs or moving house.
- Stay physically involved in activities such as meditation.
- Discover hobbies and things that hold your interest.
- Regularly eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Connect with your family members and stay vocal with the doctor
It is important for caregivers to create a safe space for the pregnant woman to discuss her feelings without judgment to avoid long-term consequences in the lives of both mother and baby.
It is crucial to break down the barriers and stigma associated with mental health.
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