Anxiety during pregnancy: causes and symptoms

A state of anxiety it is an alert reaction that the body experiences when faced with a threat. However, these states of alert can also occur in the face of vital changes of great importance such as the fact of bringing a baby into the world.

Anxiety during pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon, especially in new mothers. This article will describe its symptoms, effects and causes, as well as a series of tips to avoid or manage it in the best possible way.

Anxiety and its effects on pregnancy

Despite the fact that most women experience pregnancy as a fascinating experience on a general level, both the physical changes and the vital changes that will occur can lead to states of anxiety in the pregnant woman.

It is common that throughout the pregnancy process, doubts, fears and certain needs begin to appear that, in many cases, give way to recurring thoughts and concerns. Which, if they are not handled correctly, can end in anxiety pictures.

In this way, like anxiety states, they have a series of consequences in the body. of the person who suffers from it, it is logical to think that it can also cause unwanted effects on the baby. Some studies have revealed that anxiety experienced during pregnancy can cause the following effects on the child:

• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight
• Less attention span in the child
• Long-term behavioral and emotional problems

Therefore, although experiencing certain levels of anxiety during pregnancy is natural, it is vital. It is important to know how to distinguish when it comes to normal worries and when we are facing a picture of more anxiety. serious.

In the case of the second case, it is recommended to visit a doctor or a specialized professional, in order to combat symptoms, reduce stress levels and enjoy a healthy pregnancy and affable.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, it is very important to know how to recognize the symptoms of an anxiety disorder during pregnancy. Below is a list of symptoms related to this type of anxiety.. Likewise, it is recommended that, when in doubt as to whether or not some of these symptoms are suffered, the future mother consult a professional.

Characteristic symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy:

• Excessive worry
• Trouble controlling recurring thoughts
• Rumination of thoughts
• Tremors or small seizures
• Muscle pain
• Paresthesia (sensation of muscles or limbs asleep)
• Dry mouth
• Cold and clammy hands
• Excessive sweating
• Tachycardia
• A feeling of choking or tightness in the chest
• Dizziness
• Tunnel vision
• Strange perception of the environment, unreality
• Nausea out of the ordinary
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Swallowing problems

Likewise, sometimes the well-known “nest syndrome” can arise. This syndrome is about an unconscious defense mechanism in which the expectant mother carries out a series of behaviors that help calm anxiety.

These behaviors appear especially at the end of pregnancy and consist of an obsessive need to prepare everything related to the child. Tidying up the baby's room, obsessively cleaning any space in the house, etc.; thus generating a level of physical activity that is not recommended for the stage of pregnancy in which the mother is.

Causes

Throughout the pregnancy period, a woman feels a series of personal and affection needs that differ from those felt by other people. If to this are added the large number of bodily, organic and vital changes that pregnancy implies, it is in a certain way understandable that feelings of anxiety begin to arise.

Some of the main causes or thoughts that can generate an anxious picture in pregnant women are:

• Feelings of fear of inexperience are common in new mothers, as well as fear of not being able to adequately correspond to the role of mother.
• Fear of dying or suffering serious consequences after childbirth.
• Excessive worry about the baby's health.
• Decreased self-esteem caused by physical changes and feelings of vulnerability.
• Stress caused by the external demands that accompany pregnancy.

As repeated numerous times throughout the article, it is natural to experience moments or situations of nervousness during pregnancy. However, if the symptoms persist over time, interfering with the woman's day-to-day life, it will be necessary for her to request the help of a professional.

Tips for managing anxiety during pregnancy

Obviously, the ideal way to manage anxiety is to carry out a series of behaviors and activities that directly prevent its appearance. To get it, It is essential to be able to recognize the moments or situations in which the woman experiences the appearance of recurring, negative or obsessive thoughts, so that you can control them and focus your attention on other more comforting or other activities.

Some behaviors or tasks that can be carried out once anxiety symptoms appear are:

1. Breathing exercises

The performance of breathing exercises, in which deep inhalations and exhalations are carried out and calmed down, they will help the pregnant woman to slow down the rhythm of the palpitations and to soothe the symptoms of anxiety.

Through abdominal-type breathing, the woman will avoid hyperventilation, as well as dizziness and paresthesia.

2. Walks or light physical activity

Going for a walk while taking deep breaths, doing exercises or gymnastics for pregnant women or even the yoga They are extremely effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.

Additionally, these activities help keep your mind busy and distract from recurring negative thoughts and worries.

3. Have the help of others

Request support from other people such as the partner, family or friends with whom the woman feels enough Confidence in expressing your feelings and concerns is essential to providing a healthy outlet for anxiety.

4. For negative thoughts

Getting to stop the barrage of negative thoughts typical of anxiety states through mental exercises or Through mindfulness or mindfulness activities, it will help the woman to calm feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

5. Sleep and eat properly

If this advice is already useful in people who are not going through a pregnancy process, it is reasonable to think that with more reason it helps the pregnant woman. Eating a complete and healthy diet, as well as getting all the recommended hours of sleep, will help reduce emotional tension.

6. Have moments for yourself

Finding relaxing moments for yourself and to be able to get away from worries is essential to increase both your own health and that of the baby. Finding the time for a good relaxing bath, to read or listen to music without any interference are small pleasures that will help make pregnancy much more bearable.