Mental health in pregnant women: the emotional challenges of pregnancy
When a woman discovers she is pregnant, she knows that her body will undergo countless changes. However, the psychological aspect also undergoes drastic transformations during this period. Considering the low frequency of debate on this side of motherhood, mental health in pregnant women ends up being neglected.
What changes in a woman’s psychology during pregnancy?
Across the internet, it is not uncommon to encounter the widespread belief that becoming a mother is the greatest achievement in a woman’s life and that nothing can refute this statement.
However, we are all complex and diverse beings. So, while pregnancy may indeed be the greatest achievement for one woman, it can also be viewed differently by many others. Many, for example, want to balance motherhood with their careers. Others may be experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.
Whatever the situation, it is a fact that hormonal changes and the experiences of this new journey can cause an atypical whirlwind of emotions, both good and bad, in women.
Thus, feelings such as happiness and excitement can coexist with their opposites, such as discouragement and fear. After all, pregnancy is synonymous with a definitive turning point in the course of life, and the way a woman feels about it does not have to be linear and always positive, as is often expected when there is a romanticized view of the situation.
When are negative feelings considered abnormal?
First, we need to understand that pregnancy is not just about positive feelings. Recognizing the existence of the “B side” of this phase is essential in order to deal with it better and so that women do not feel “abnormal” or lonely for experiencing less romantic feelings, so to speak.
Once this is understood, it is essential to be able to recognize when mood swings cross the line of normality and show signs of being pathological.
When these changes worsen, or are very frequent and long-lasting, for example, they may be indicative that something is not right with the pregnant woman’s mental health. If the woman already had a psychological condition before pregnancy, such as depression, the chances of the condition worsening with this change are high.
The same applies to women who have recently had babies. In other words, throughout motherhood, episodes of tiredness, discouragement, and sadness are common. However, if the frequency and severity increase, they may be indicative of more serious problems, such as postpartum depression.
To prevent this worsening, or to deal with a mood change that is already showing warning signs, it is best for women to seek psychological counseling—either from the moment they discover they are pregnant, or, if they have not started counseling earlier, after the first symptoms appear.
What are the consequences for the baby?
When a woman ignores the signs of worsening emotional distress during pregnancy, her mental health deteriorates. At the same time, the health of the baby, even in the womb, can also be affected. Problems with the child’s immunity, breastfeeding, growth, and even weight gain are common in this situation.
Psychological pathologies can also lead the mother to engage in harmful behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, for example, which not only has consequences for her own physical and mental health, but also for the development of the fetus.
How to maintain emotional health during pregnancy?
Cultivating some good habits can help women have a more peaceful pregnancy, both physically and emotionally:
- Exercise, according to medical guidelines;
- Read about motherhood;
- Talk to women who have gone through or are going through the same experience;
- Express your feelings sincerely to the professional who is accompanying you;
- Strengthen ties with your support network (family and friends);
- Set aside time for enjoyable activities, such as reading, watching movies, or any habit you already had before pregnancy;
- Talk about the future with the person who will be caring for the child with you;
- Eat healthy foods, also according to the guidance of a nutritionist.
- Don’t worry excessively about material issues, such as buying baby clothes and accessories. Although important and part of the process, investing in quality care with the right professionals will make more of a difference in the future.
Where can you find support to maintain your emotional health during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is undoubtedly a turning point in a woman’s life. It brings with it enormous physical and emotional changes, which become much easier to understand and deal with when you have the support of the right professionals. When you find out you are pregnant, consider psychological support and also a doula from the beginning.
The emotional support offered by doulas plays a crucial role in the mental health of pregnant women. The presence of these professionals, as well as the support of a psychologist during pregnancy, has been associated with several psychological and emotional benefits for expectant mothers. This way, you will not feel helpless or confused when discovering all the surprises and new things that come with pregnancy.
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