Recognizing the causes and symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy is an important thing that pregnant women should not miss. The reason is, if this happens and is left unchecked, it can have a negative impact on the growth and development of the fetus.
Pregnancy is a happy moment for every pregnant woman. However, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to feel anxious and worried because they think about the health of the fetus or childbirth. This is normal and usually goes away on its own.
However, some pregnant women may experience ongoing anxiety. This can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing preeclampsia and postpartum depression. In addition, this condition also increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, low APGAR scores, and respiratory distress in infants.
Causes of Anxiety During Pregnancy
Anxiety during pregnancy is generally caused by changes in hormone levels in the body. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can affect the levels of chemicals in the brain that play a role in regulating feelings. This is why pregnant women tend to be easily anxious, restless, and worried.
In addition, there are several risk factors that can trigger anxiety during pregnancy, including:
- Have a history of mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression
- Have a history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Having pregnancy complications
- Having trauma in a previous pregnancy
- Having conflict in the household
- Experienced a traumatic event in the last 1 year
- Pregnant under 20 years old
- Pregnant with twins
- Not getting social support
- Have more than three children
- Abusing drugs
- Having an unplanned pregnancy
Beware of Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy
Symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy vary. However, generally pregnant women who experience anxiety will show the following signs:
- Feeling anxious, worried, and restless that is excessive and difficult to control
- Easily angry and offended
- Difficult to concentrate
- Muscles feel sore and tense
- No energy
- Disturbed sleep pattern
- Disturbed appetite
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or a failure as a mother or mother-to-be
In addition to the anxiety symptoms above, pregnant women can also sometimes feel the symptoms obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic attacks. OCD can make pregnant women think or do an action repeatedly.
Meanwhile, if a panic attack occurs, pregnant women can suddenly have difficulty breathing, feel like going crazy, feel separated from the real world, and feel something very bad is going to happen.
Although it is normal, the symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy should not be underestimated, yes, pregnant women. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to recognize the causes and symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy so that they can anticipate and deal with them as early as possible
When pregnant women experience symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy, try to express any fears you feel to someone you can trust. Pregnant women can also try meditation with the directions available in pregnancy classes or scattered videos on line. This can help calm the pregnant woman's thoughts and feelings.
In addition, make sure pregnant women also eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep so that pregnant women's health is maintained and fetal growth and development are more optimal. Coping with anxiety during pregnancy also needs to be supported by partners, family, or close people.
If pregnant women's anxiety is difficult to control and the symptoms are quite disturbing, pregnant women should consult a doctor or psychologist to overcome them.
