Written by Mervat Rashad Sunday, June 18, 2023 04:00 PM
Pregnancy is a journey in which important changes occur in a woman’s life. Amidst the physical changes, it is essential not to neglect mental health for the overall health of the mother and child. Ignoring your mental health can lead to many problems and even affect your relationship with your child. Conditions like Postpartum depression And the concern is that it may negatively affect breastfeeding and the health of the mother in general, according to what was published by the “healthshots” website.
Mental health problems are common in pregnant women
One in five women experience anxiety and hopelessness before giving birth. Several studies have found that the chances of developing certain mental health disorders increase after pregnancy. A study published by StatPearls states that 1 in 7 women can develop postpartum depression (PPD) while it lasts PPD lasts longer and significantly impairs a woman’s ability to return to normal function, tends to last for a shorter period for women with depression, and it even affects the relationship a mother shares with her child.
1. Mood swings
Mood swings are very common throughout pregnancy, if you are constantly stressed or depressed, it could be a sign of something more serious. Stress, changes in your body, and many other factors can affect your mental health and lead to mood swings.
2. Depression
Depression is characterized as feeling sad for weeks or months at a time. Someone may develop depression before pregnancy. It can also begin during pregnancy. A woman can become depressed if she feels unhappy with her pregnancy or is under a lot of stress at work or at home.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety is your body’s response to stress. It’s a state of fear you feel before something happens. Since pregnancy is a time when these feelings can easily creep into your mind, it’s crucial to keep track of your feelings. Women who worry a lot are more likely to develop anxiety.
4. Other mental health issues
1. Bipolar disorder: One may experience severe mood swings, which include periods of elevated mood (mania) and periods of depression.
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder: a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing something traumatic.
3. Panic attacks: These are severe, unexpected physical responses accompanied by paralyzing terror.
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: repetitive thoughts and behaviors that relieve anxiety or distress.
5. Eating disorders: Unhealthy behavior towards food, weight, and body image often leads to severe disturbances in eating patterns, which can lead to serious consequences. Bulimia nervosa or anorexia are among the most common eating disorders.
2023-06-18 13:00:00
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