New Delhi: Pregnancy is a time of transformation in a woman’s life, characterized by drastic physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Although it is a time of happiness and expectation, it also turns out to be a time of higher stress and tension. Proper management of stress and good mental health during pregnancy are essential for both the baby and the mother in formation. Dr Puneet Rana Arora, Gynaecologist & IVF Expert, Director-CIFAR, Gurugram, shared tips for mums-to-be to take care of mental health.
Understanding Stress During Pregnancy
Pregnancy stress may be caused by several reasons, such as hormonal fluctuation, bodily pain, anxiety of delivery, economic burden, and changes in relationships. Long-term stress during pregnancy, however, is undesirable, and the adverse effects are sleep loss, increased blood pressure, and even preterm labor or low birth weight. In addition, a lack of stress control can lead to post-delivery depression.
Management Techniques for Stress
- Be Health Conscious: Regular physical exercise (as advised by a physician), a healthy diet, and proper sleep are all the necessary steps to avoid stress. Mild exercise such as prenatal yoga, walking, or swimming can release endorphins that naturally improve mood.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness exercises such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises also decrease anxiety profoundly. Mindfulness allows pregnant women to live in the present and enjoy the moment, removing anxieties about the future.
- Stay Connected: Partners, family, and friends give immeasurable value. Talking to loved ones or participating in prenatal support groups can minimize alienation and reassure.
- Talk with Healthcare Providers: Prenatal visits, monthly, are not only for body inspection but also for following up on emotional status. Women can be at ease reporting any emotional or psychological concerns they might have to their physicians.
- Establish Realistic Expectations and Self-Care: Pregnancy is a time to treat yourself with kindness. One must be realistic about what can be accomplished, ask for assistance when necessary, and schedule time for activities that are pleasant and stress-free.
- When to Seek Professional Help: If feelings of overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or irritability, or if they are interfering with daily life, professional assistance is necessary. Therapists, counselors, or prenatal care support groups can provide helpful ways of coping.
Conclusion
Stress and emotional health during pregnancy are crucial to the mother’s and child’s health. With good care, lifestyle, and professional assistance where necessary, women cope with this process with firmness and determination.
Pregnancy stress may be caused by several reasons, such as hormonal fluctuation, bodily pain, anxiety of delivery, economic burden, and changes in relationships. Long-term stress during pregnancy, however, is undesirable, and the adverse effects are sleep loss, increased blood pressure, and even preterm labor or low birth weight. Mental Health Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
