Stress and Pregnancy
Stress has been known to be a risk for an individual to be immune-compromised. 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. Often times during pregnancy, the woman has hormonal imbalance and that can lead to stress and depression. These conditions are usually managed with medications like antidepressants but there are certain things to consider before prescribing the pregnant woman with one. The antidepressant Zoloft, has been linked with Autism when taken during pregnancy which is why most doctors are being careful when prescribing the drug.
Common Signs of Psychological Stress
Some of these symptoms need a considerable amount of time for it to be classified under abnormal behaviour and not just due to hormonal imbalance brought about by pregnancy. Some of the signs are the following:
• 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
The signs listed above can also be recognized in people with major depression as well as with other mood disorders so it is encouraged to go to a medical professional if the pregnant woman manifested some.
Avoiding Stress for the Pregnant Woman
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. In providing her with emotional support, we have to understand that she’s going through a lot of changes. Avoid things that can trigger any emotional outbursts from her. Losing the baby and feelings of inadequacy can also be causes of psychological stress. Make her feel that she is not alone in her journey especially if she’s a first time mother. Those with pre-existing conditions like depression and are under Zoloft therapy might be fearful that problems raised in Zoloft birth defect lawsuits may also happen to their baby. 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.
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