The period of pregnancy is exciting and thrilling. The emotional rollercoaster that comes with pregnancy may be something you have already anticipated, or it may take you by surprise. While some women marvel at their changing bodies, feeling excitement at every flutter or kick, others feel anxious because of the drastic changes; which leads us to the question that how to stop an anxiety attack while pregnant. Is medication necessary to control the symptoms?
Here you can read all the details about anxiety in pregnancy so that you may overcome this situation with your best possible efforts.
About Anxiety in Pregnancy
Anxiety is the severe feeling of unease, worry, or fear for the future. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but some people struggle to manage their fears. Anxiety sufferers occasionally experience panic attacks, which can be quite terrifying.
When everyone wants them to be cheerful, some pregnant women feel worried or guilty about feeling panicked or frightened.
However, anxiety is not a sign of weakness, something that will go away on its own, or something you should just “snap out of.” Rather, it is a mental health problem that you should take seriously.
How common is Anxiety in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy anxiety is extremely typical. It affects more than one in ten pregnant women.
Do not consider yourself a failure because you cannot cope with this situation. It is important to seek assistance if you frequently experience anxiety or panic attacks during your pregnancy.
Book your consultation with the best psychiatrist to talk about and manage your symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Anxiety during Pregnancy?
The most common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Inability to manage your fear
- Restlessness
- Worry (for example, worrying continually about your unborn child during pregnancy)
- A sense of dread, inability to focus, or feeling as though your mind keeps wandering
- Irritability
- A constant sense of being on edge
- Sleep problems
Panic attacks can start suddenly and for no obvious reason. Some symptoms include:
- A racing heartbeat
- A feeling of dread or fear of dying
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Faintness
- Shaky limbs
- Tingling
- A churning stomach
The majority of panic attacks last for about five to twenty minutes. Although they are not hazardous, they can be extremely terrifying.
What are the Possible Causes of Anxiety during Pregnancy?
- Pregnant women may experience anxiety due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, a history of miscarriages, and sleep issues.
- You can be concerned about the health of your unborn child, the delivery process, your connections with friends and family, how having a baby will impact those relationships, and the financial strain that a new family member may bring along.
These concerns are all entirely reasonable. A certain amount of anxiety is protective for humans; otherwise, how would we push ourselves to finish our tasks or flee from a bear?
But it should not exceed the amount that you experience intense panic over a normal, physiologic phenomenon such as pregnancy.
What are the Effects of Untreated Anxiety on the Fetus?
It is essential to think about both the risks of treatment and the negative effects of untreated anxiety when planning your approach to anxiety management.
Research indicates that anxiety may have detrimental effects on the fetus, such as;
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Smaller head circumference
- Abnormalities in brain size
How can you Manage Anxiety during Pregnancy?
You can take steps to control your symptoms and reduce your risk of panic attacks while pregnant.
1. Therapy can be a first-line treatment to reduce anxiety
For the treatment of panic attacks or anxiety disorders, there are many different therapies available.
- One of the most well-liked choices is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on altering both thinking and behavior.
- With the help of a therapist, you can create coping mechanisms for your anxious feelings during your pregnancy.
- The therapy may consist of several sessions until or unless your thought patterns have not changed.
2. Another way to deal with anxiety can be medications
Although prescription drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety, not all of them are safe to use while pregnant.
- For instance, it has been demonstrated that pregnant women taking selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have an increased chance of transferring pulmonary hypertension in their babies.
- Additionally, it can make birth abnormalities in your baby more likely.
- Your doctor will consider the benefits and potential side effects of the medicine before prescribing it.
- If you are already taking medication, consulting your doctor immediately would be really better.
- It should be noted that therapy and medication work best together.
3. Self-care is the key to maintaining your mental health
Self-care is crucial for maintaining your mental health during pregnancy.
i- Do exercise under the supervision of experts
- Physical activity causes your body to release feel-good hormones called endorphins.
- It is well known to aid in treating stress, depression, and anxiety.
ii- Take an adequate amount of sleep
- You will require more sleep than normal because fatigue is a typical pregnancy symptom.
iii- Eat Healthy Diet
- What you eat is important. Try to include wholesome, homemade meals in your diet plans. If you do not have time, consider meal planning or utilizing a fast cooker.
- You should also take prenatal vitamins. Also, read the best tips for nutrition during pregnancy.
iv- Spend some quality time with yourself
- Make time for yourself between work, chores, and getting ready for the baby.
- Indulge in some relaxing activities that you like, for example, taking a hot bath, reading, knitting, practicing yoga, etc.
4. Manage a support group system in your pregnancy
- According to research, the assistance you receive throughout your pregnancy has an impact on your overall mental health.
- During pregnancy, don’t be scared to contact your support network. If you don’t have a large number of close friends or relatives, think about how you may widen your social network.
- Joining Facebook groups for pregnant women or taking prenatal classes can be helpful ways to connect with others going through a similar and share experiences.
5- Practice mindfulness daily
- It has been demonstrated that indulging in mindfulness reduces anxiety.
- It might be characterized as the capacity to remain in the present and accept things as they are.
- You can improve your capacity to handle stress by exercising these mental activities.
Seek Medical Help for a Healthy Pregnancy
If you are facing a severe level of anxiety in your pregnancy that is causing a disturbance in your emotional and social life then we suggest you take an expert’s help right now.
They can help you to manage your symptoms in an appropriate manner without causing potential harm to your unborn baby. This is really important for you and your baby.
Book an appointment with the best psychologist to seek therapy for managing your anxieties.
FAQs
1. Can an anxiety attack affect an unborn baby?
High levels of anxiety during pregnancy in women have been linked to a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight in newborns. It has been established that alterations in brain morphology are related to low birth weight in premature infants.
2. Can anxiety cause miscarriages?
Although high stress is bad for your general health, there is no proof that it causes miscarriage. But experts suggest that it may be a possible contributor to miscarriage.
3. Can an unborn baby feel your emotions during pregnancy?
Your unborn child is exposed to everything you go through while you are pregnant, including the sounds of the outside world, the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the emotions you experience. When you are content and at ease, your baby can grow up in a happy and tranquil environment.