A time of joy, and stress
Being pregnant is an exciting yet emotionally challenging period for women. The body changes throughout pregnancy as the fetus develops, grows, and prepares for delivery.
The developing ‘mom brain’
As the fetus develops, the maternal brain also changes to get ready for motherhood. These changes help mothers to become more sensitive to the baby’s needs and promotes bonding. Pregnant mothers become more alert to potential dangers, which help them to better protect the baby.
Dealing with worries and changes
Maternal brain changes could explain why anxiety is common during pregnancy. There is so much to worry about – Will my baby grow well? What foods should I avoid? Who will take care of the baby when I return to work? How do I cope with caring for my older children and the newborn?
It helps to seek reliable sources of information. For example, books and websites that offer a balanced viewpoint, help to instill optimism, and provide tips on coping with emotional and physical changes. Experienced mothers are also often eager to share their stories and advice!
Everyone’s pregnancy journey is different, and there will be some things a pregnant mom can control (like avoiding cigarettes and alcohol), and things that cannot be controlled (like the gender of the baby, and how long the morning sickness will last). So the best things a pregnant mom can do, would be to try to stay positive, take care of her health, and to rest when she gets the chance.
The impact of anxiety on the pregnant mother and fetus
Worries may become excessive and hard to control. They could be accompanied by irritability, poor concentration and restlessness. Persistent symptoms of anxiety can affect the pregnant mother’s quality of life and ability to function. Research has found that anxiety and high levels of stress in pregnancy can affect fetal growth and brain development.
Can anxiety in pregnancy be treated?
Effective treatment is available for women who are experiencing anxiety during pregnancy. Psychosocial interventions (such as counselling, for example) help women to learn coping strategies to manage stress, reduce excessive worries and address negative thinking patterns.
A psychiatrist with training and experience in managing perinatal mental health conditions can provide advice on which medications are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
