Anxiety Disorders and Pregnancy
March 12, 2010

The effects of stress during pregnancy can cause an anxiety attack. During pregnancy it is important to relax.

Women and babies have always gone well together. It’s natural, and expected, for a young lady to want a child. Even in this day of the more liberated businesswoman, the desire will catch up one day - and though it’s often a busy world, what a joy that expectant mother has! But what happens to that mother who is often naturally filled with stress, and daily turmoil - can anxiety and pregnancy bring joy to her, too?

The answer to that question, of course, lies largely with the woman herself. A part of her own past is always to be brought to the table when a new life is concerned.

What things might make it more stressful in pregancy?

Pregnancy is when a woman spends a lot of time with her own thoughts. Will she make a good mother?; Will her child be normal?; Will the child have to face some of the things she had to struggle with as a child?, etc. This is to be expected, as the mother prepares herself to love that child - even while her body is making changes to meet the demand of the new life within her.

But then, anxiety and pregnancy together always creates the potential for stress triggers. Some things that might bring about a greater stress are:

A recent miscarriage.This would tend to fixate her mind with a constant wondering if she would ever have the joy of seeing this baby utter its first cry.
A doubtful income during the pregnancy
A not-so-stable relationship with the father of the child
A lack of emotional support
An unexpected pregnancy that upsets many plans.

When the pregnancy comes, then is the time to mentally settle some of these issues, with the help of her friends, family, and doctor. Like other situations of life, anxiety and pregnancy can be successfully dealt with. The expectant mother can determine to do what is best for the child. She will make a good mother, and these always want to do their utmost for the good of the child.

Anxiety and pregnancy do not work well together - for the child. Recent studies have shown that there is a definite correlation between the mother being stressful during the pregnancy, and the child also developing stressful behavior later. It showed also, that the time when the unborn is most affected by the mother's anxiety is between the 12th and 23rd weeks.

What good can come out of it?

Rather than expect the worst to happen, the new mother will want to make preparations to help herself beat cope with anxiety and pregnancy. Many changes will take place in her body.

Obviously, a great concern is whether or not the symptoms of their anxiety disorder will worsen during the pregnancy, and if they will be able to care for the baby after it is born. Then there is also the major concern of how the medicine will affect the baby. Again, these are thoughts that can raise the stress levels of the mother.

In spite of this possibility, though, here are a couple of facts that can offer some hope for anxiety and pregnancy:

Medicines for anxiety disorders appear relatively safe for the baby, during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
About 40% of women experience a definite lessening of the anxiety syndrome during pregnancy. The symptoms may return, though, during postpartum.
The medicine, as far as the baby is concerned, may actually be helpful in preventing the baby from becoming likewise prone to anxiety disorders. Whereas, if the mother's symptoms are untreated during this time, it could also result in a lower birth weight.

What can be done during pregnancy to deal with anxiety?

Because there are many women who go through this these days (about 10%), there are things that can be done that are sure to help. Some of them are:

Consult your doctor about your plans to either become pregnant, or that you already are. He can help provide instructions about your medications, and help you develop strategies for when your anxiety and pregnancy become difficult to handle.
Develop a tighter relationship between yourself and your mate – if possible. Much support, love, and help can come from this when needed most.
Learn to regularly do those things that bring relaxation (such as hobbies, walks, talking with friends, gardening, etc.) to your mind and body before the stress gets out of control.
Talk with your mate, friend, regularly, about things that you feel stressed about.

Hope this articles helps you to overcome the anxiety during pregnancy.

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