Avoiding Stress When Pregnant
It is common knowledge that stress can predispose an individual to illnesses. Pregnancy is the time where stress should be avoided and that can be possible by providing the woman with emotional support. The World Health Organization acknowledged the need for women, especially the pregnant, to have a strong emotional support as this is as important as the physical needs. Our hormones can greatly be influenced by our emotions and this in turn, can have an effect on the baby. Most often during that time, the woman experiences imbalance in hormones which can often lead to stress and depression. Medications are given like antidepressants but certain considerations have to be considered. The antidepressant Zoloft, has been linked with Autism when taken during pregnancy which prompted doctors to be careful when giving the medication to their patients.
Common Signs of Psychological Stress
Having one or a couple of these symptoms does not automatically qualify you to be psychologically stressed as some of these can be due to hormones brought about by pregnancy. Some of the symptoms are listed below.
• Irritability
• Frequent mood swings
• Marked anxiety and tension
• Prolonged sadness
• Loss of interest in usual activities (hobbies, interests and etc.)
• Energy is unusually low and easily gets fatigued
• Unreasonable feelings of longing and desires
• Suddenly tearful and overly sensitive
• Extreme fear of having a miscarriage
• Gets easily depressed over trivial issues
• Has difficulty concentrating and/or focusing attention
• Sleeps too much or lacks sleep
• Has delusions and hallucinations
These manifestations are also found in major depression as well as other mood disorders so it is best to consult a specialist if you find that the pregnant woman is exhibiting such.
How to Help the Pregnant Woman Avoid Stress
Avoiding psychological stress is always the best thing to do in this situation. When a woman is pregnant, we have to understand that she has a lot of physical changes going on and that can affect her mood and emotions. What we should do is understand and provide her with the support that she needs. Also, it will be good to avoid anything that can trigger strong emotional responses from her. Losing the baby and feelings of inadequacy can also be causes of psychological stress. Make the woman feel that you are there to support her in her journey especially for those first time mothers. Others who have a pre-existing condition such as depression and have been taking Zoloft (antidepressant) may be fearful of the Zoloft birth defect lawsuits raised because it can happen to her child. Pregnancy is life-changing both for the woman and her partner. Together, they must take on the journey of pregnancy as what they’ll do with parenthood.