During pregnancy, it is quite often perceived by others as a common occurrence. Relatives and acquaintances perceive this state of expectant mothers as a given, which can be explained by the hormonal changes occurring in the woman’s body. However, according to experts, pregnancy is actually a serious pathological condition, the elimination of which requires special qualified medical care.
There is no doubt that the combination of such concepts as pregnancy and neurosis negatively affects the development of the child and the health of the expectant mother. In women who are in a state, the risk of developing complications during pregnancy is much higher than in healthy pregnant women. Considering the fact that while waiting for the birth of a baby, taking many medications is unacceptable, great importance is attached to prevention.
Causes of neurosis in pregnant women
The development of neurosis during pregnancy is usually triggered by the following factors:
- Predisposition. It is known that women with an unstable psycho-emotional background, who experience difficulties in adapting to new life circumstances, are most susceptible to the occurrence of neurosis during pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman, which have a significant impact on the general well-being of the expectant mother, including her psycho-emotional state.
- Chronic stress, nervous strain, and an unfavorable psychological atmosphere in the family or at work are common causes of neurosis in pregnant women.
- Sudden changes in lifestyle and lifestyle, caused by the need to prepare for upcoming motherhood, can act as a serious traumatic factor for the psyche of a pregnant woman.
- Experiences and worries associated with pregnancy. During the period of bearing a baby, any changes and events, even the most insignificant, can cause a woman to become a cause of increased anxiety for her life and for the life of her unborn child.
- Problems with well-being and external changes accompanying pregnancy. Manifestations of toxicosis, weight gain and associated physical and psychological discomfort are an additional irritant for the sensitive psyche of the expectant mother, negatively affecting her condition.
The main reasons for the development of neurosis during pregnancy also include hypovitaminosis, anemia, chronic diseases, lifestyle errors and poor nutrition. The presence of each of these factors can serve as a prerequisite for the development of anxiety symptoms of a neurotic disorder in the expectant mother.
Treatment of the disease in pregnant women
Treatment of neurosis in many cases involves visiting a psychotherapist and group sessions. If therapy is started in a timely manner, there is a chance of complete recovery and elimination of all symptoms. To correct the condition, you should follow some rules:
- It is important to accept that over the course of 9 months, physical and emotional changes are inevitable. You should realize that all this is temporary and will soon pass.
- You need to take care of your appearance. Neatness, beauty, and the use of cosmetics will preserve self-esteem and self-confidence. There are many maternity clothing and shoe stores. Various wardrobe items will help a woman look sexy.
- Correct diet. The right products will help support a woman’s immunity and general health. The maximum amount of vitamins is found in vegetables and fruits. Don't get carried away with food additives and preservatives. You should read how many useful elements are included in the products you eat.
- Good rest and good sleep. A woman will not be able to handle the number of household and work tasks that she did before pregnancy.
- It will be useful to get carried away with something. Positive emotions are very important for pregnant women.
- A little physical activity won't hurt either. Special aerobics will help a woman relax. Walking and a little activity will help overcome stress and prepare the body for the upcoming birth.
- It is important to talk about your experiences to your loved ones and your doctor. The help of relatives and specialists is very necessary during this period. It is possible to turn to psychologists.
- Remember that for 9 months nothing is more important than you and your baby.
There are cases when psychotherapeutic treatment did not produce the desired result. If this occurs in a pregnant woman, you need to visit a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications. Sedatives and herbal medications are prescribed. Occasionally, antidepressants and tranquilizers are prescribed. This type of medication is bad for the health of the child and woman. The doctor must check a large number of factors, examine the mother and fetus, and only then prescribe treatment.
There are many medications that have minimal side effects, but the use of such drugs should be a last resort.
Neurosis manifests itself due to a number of factors, both hereditary and acquired. Every woman carrying a child should understand that with conception the body changes dramatically, and this greatly affects well-being, so you should gather your thoughts and understand that pregnancy is not a disease. In 9 months everything will fall into place.
Neurosis during pregnancy: symptoms and signs
Symptoms of neurosis in pregnant women are identical to manifestations of neurotic disorder in any other categories of patients and are usually expressed by the following conditions:
Neurosis in pregnant women is a condition that requires special attention both from doctors and from the patient herself and her loved ones. In the absence of timely treatment, the pathology can progress, significantly worsening the quality of life of the expectant mother and increasing the likelihood of pregnancy complications.
Treatment of neurosis in pregnant women
Since drug treatment of neurosis in pregnant women is associated with a high risk for the health of the fetus, doctors traditionally use special psychotherapeutic techniques to stabilize the condition of such patients.
Important! The effectiveness of treatment of neurosis during pregnancy directly depends on the timeliness of therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating the pathology. An important role in the effectiveness of therapy is played by the maximum exclusion from the life of a pregnant woman of psychotraumatic factors that caused the development of the disease.
Treatment
Particular importance is attached to the early diagnosis of neuroses. The sooner a woman consults a doctor, the more confidently we can say that the disorder will not affect intrauterine development.
Neurosis in pregnant women is most often a functional pathology. For this reason, the prescription of medications (tranquilizers and antidepressants) is not always justified and should be carried out with great caution. These drugs may have a negative effect on the development of the fetus.
Most often, a psychotherapist can prescribe sedatives of plant origin, for example, tincture of valerian or motherwort. But, since the main contraindication to drug treatment is a developing baby, preference is given to psychotherapy.
The number of psychotherapy sessions is determined by a specialist based on the patient’s condition. Psychotherapy sessions can be conducted individually or in groups. This treatment method, proven over the years, helps the expectant mother return to normal life in the shortest possible time without fears, anxieties and emotional stress.
Prevention of neurosis during pregnancy
Following a number of recommendations will help the expectant mother avoid the development of neurosis and maintain psycho-emotional health during pregnancy:
- Learn to look at the world positively and not be led by negative emotions. If you realize that you are unable to influence any negative situation, try to distract yourself from the problem and concentrate on pleasant thoughts. Feel free to share your experiences and problems with your loved ones.
- Don't try to get all your household chores done, even if you were able to do them easily before pregnancy. If you feel tired, be sure to take a break to rest and return to work only when you feel a fresh surge of energy.
- Give up bad habits. Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Lack of vitamins and other useful substances in the body, along with smoking, alcohol abuse or junk food, is one of the common causes of neurosis and depression during pregnancy.
- Find time for physical activity and be outdoors more often. This will serve as an effective prevention of stress; In addition, dosed exercise will help you prepare your body for the upcoming birth.
And finally, be attentive to your own body. If symptoms that resemble signs of a neurotic disorder occur, do not self-medicate, but seek medical help promptly.
Neurosis during pregnancy is often perceived by others as a common occurrence. Relatives and acquaintances perceive this state of expectant mothers as a given, which can be explained by the hormonal changes occurring in the woman’s body. However, according to experts, neurosis during pregnancy is in fact a serious pathological condition, the elimination of which requires special qualified medical care.
There is no doubt that the combination of such concepts as pregnancy and neurosis negatively affects the development of the child and the health of the expectant mother. In women who are in a state of neurosis, the risk of developing complications during pregnancy is much higher than in healthy pregnant women. Considering the fact that while waiting for the birth of a baby, taking many medications is unacceptable, great importance is attached to prevention.
Treatment of nervous tension during pregnancy
Much depends on the pregnant woman herself. She is obliged not only to see a doctor on time, but also to help him treat himself and not interfere with the healing process. Here are some tips to help yourself:
- accept the disease: a woman must realize that this disease is not with her forever, but only for a while,
- look at it as a new period worth experiencing, give yourself more time,
- do not forget to maintain your beauty, visit the hairdresser and salons, buy beautiful clothes,
- control your diet: the diet should be varied, rich in vitamins, give up baked goods and sweets, and a number of additives - they are not very useful now,
- have a good rest during treatment, you can catch up a little later,
- find a source of positive emotions, it could be pets, a favorite activity, or older brothers and sisters,
- do physical exercises, do yoga, swimming, gymnastics for pregnant women, pay attention to breathing exercises, it will save you when emotions go beyond limits.
A specialist will provide the necessary assistance. A pregnant woman may be prescribed psychotherapy and special procedures. Drug treatment is used only if the child is at risk. Antidepressants are strictly prohibited because they affect the child’s internal organs. Therapy, both group and personal, is the best option.
Causes of neuroses during pregnancy
First you need to identify the causes of neurosis during pregnancy. This condition can be caused by the following factors:
The influence of all of these factors leads to an imbalance in the mental state of the expectant mother, which manifests itself in the form of depression, panic attacks and various fears. All these conditions are characteristic of neurosis.
Signs of neurosis in expectant mothers
The symptoms of a neurotic disorder in pregnant women are no different from the signs of this condition in other categories of people. In this case, the following manifestations should be highlighted:
- unstable emotional background;
- a state of apathy or excessive irritability;
- depression and a lot of negative emotions;
- sleep disturbance and increased fatigue;
- with neurosis, pregnant women have severe and incessant headaches, and dizziness often occurs;
- excessive sweating, severe shortness of breath, sudden increase in heart rate;
- lack of appetite, stool disorders, nausea and vomiting;
- the appearance of a feeling of numbness in the arms and legs;
- a state of increased anxiety, the occurrence of panic attacks and various pathological fears.
Neurosis during pregnancy requires special attention from loved ones and medical care. Otherwise, this threatens the development of complications during pregnancy.
Therapy for neurosis during pregnancy
Of great importance is not only timely contact with a qualified specialist who will prescribe the necessary treatment, but also the active participation of the patient herself in eliminating the pathological condition. Help in this case consists of following the following recommendations:
- The expectant mother must accept the fact of her unhealthy condition and come to terms with it, understanding that this phenomenon is only temporary. Treatment in this case should consist of treating your condition as something unique.
- A woman should be as attentive to herself as possible during the period of bearing a child. You should not give up using cosmetics, going to the hairdresser and beautiful clothes. All this only improves your mood and allows you to remain feminine. It is very pleasant to treat yourself in this way.
- Nutrition control is no less important. There is no need to eat for two, you just need to take care of the health of the baby and mother. It is necessary to include as many fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. It would be better if you limit the consumption of sweets and flour products, and also completely eliminate canned foods - then the treatment will be much more effective.
- The expectant mother needs more rest and peace.
- A woman should find a source that will nourish her with positive emotions throughout her pregnancy. It could be a favorite hobby or a pet. This is the so-called mental state treatment.
- You should not give up physical activity during pregnancy. You can do, for example, yoga for pregnant women or water aerobics.
- If the expectant mother feels some kind of internal psychological discomfort, then she should tell someone close to her about it. There is no need to accumulate negative emotions within yourself.
If a severe form of mental disorder has developed, the psychotherapist together with the obstetrician-gynecologist may decide to prescribe the expectant mother sedatives based on medicinal herbs. Drug treatment during pregnancy is permissible only if absolutely necessary.
Thus, if a woman wants to maintain her health and also safely bear a child, she needs to take care of the psychological component during this period. Any nervous shock can affect the child in the future.
Prevention of nervousness
There are two rules to follow to help avoid illness:
- the child must be planned, desired,
- The health of the baby and mother should be a priority.
In addition to these rules, there are other recommendations:
- don’t rush, distribute tasks according to importance,
- distribute responsibilities, do not neglect the help of relatives,
- don’t forget about your beauty: high-quality cosmetics and beautiful clothes are the key to positive emotions,
- do what you love,
- choose food according to your taste and healthiness,
- move: yoga, entertaining meetings, fresh air, walking for at least an hour a day, swimming will prevent you from gaining excess weight and will help you maintain a good mood,
- avoid bad news, emotions, do not communicate with negative people,
- speak out on time, do not hide your feelings from loved ones,
- rest as much as your body asks, sleep 8 hours a day,
- Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of nervousness.
Neurosis during pregnancy and its treatment
For advertising purposes:
Pregnancy is a special period in the life of any woman. The magical mystery of the birth of a new life gives the expectant mother happy and unforgettable moments, but at the same time, pregnancy is a very difficult stage for a woman. The range of emotions that she experiences at this time is very diverse and contradictory: from boundless warm feelings for her unborn baby to fear of the unknown.
This is no wonder; during pregnancy, amazing changes occur in the female body: all physiological systems are rebuilt, hormonal levels change significantly, and the psyche becomes different. A woman’s body is preparing for the most important mission that nature has prepared for her - motherhood.
Pregnancy is not always easy. During this period, women are susceptible to neuroses and depression. The psyche of pregnant women is more mobile, expectant mothers are subject to mood swings, very often they attach too much importance to trifles and fix their attention on negative aspects and events. This is caused by a serious change in the functioning of the endocrine glands. This is precisely the reason for frequent neuroses during pregnancy.
It cannot be said that neurosis and pregnancy are inseparable concepts, but this is a fairly common occurrence. According to medical statistics, similar symptoms appear in about a quarter of pregnant women. Everything depends, first of all, on the individual characteristics of the woman herself, on the stability of her psyche.
Unbalanced women, characterized by increased emotionality and inability to adapt to life circumstances, are more likely to have similar complications during pregnancy. A lot depends on the relatives and friends of the expectant mother and the conditions in which she finds herself. But the psychological attitude of the expectant mother is even more important.
Symptoms
Listed below are the main symptoms of neuroses that occur during pregnancy, they are both psychological and neurological in nature:
- high level of irritability;
- sleep disorders;
- fear of future childbirth;
- tearfulness;
- frequent headaches;
- increased fatigue;
- feeling of dissatisfaction with life.
Also during this period, a woman may develop various phobias or intensify existing ones. Most of them are related to the health of the unborn baby or changes in one’s own appearance, or the fear of ceasing to be attractive to one’s partner.
Causes
Why does this pathology occur in women? Pregnancy neurosis has the following causes:
- Genetic predisposition. Neurosis in pregnant women is largely determined genetically. The likelihood of their development is associated with the characteristics of the nervous system. If a woman had similar problems before pregnancy, then there is a high probability that they will intensify.
- Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, dramatic hormonal changes occur in a woman's body; the endocrine glands work completely differently than during normal periods. This cannot but affect physiology and behavior.
- Psychological factor. Expecting a baby is an exciting process, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The woman is worried about the health of the child, she is afraid of childbirth, future family life and other problems (personal, social).
- Bad feeling. Various physical ailments and a feeling of discomfort often accompany the expectant mother. Toxicosis and excess weight, which creates additional stress, lead to a state of discomfort.
- Household difficulties. Pregnancy creates many problems in everyday life; a woman has to change her usual lifestyle. Every little thing can cause injury. In this aspect, the help and support of loved ones and relatives, especially a close man, is very important.
It is rare that neurosis in pregnant women is caused by one of the above factors; usually they work in combination, weakening the psyche and causing neuroses and depression, leading to panic attacks, autonomic disorders and phobias.
Causes of neurosis
The expectant mother must understand why she has mental problems. Respiratory neurosis during pregnancy occurs due to a number of reasons.
- Hereditary predisposition. Pathology appears at the genetic level. If before conception there was an unbalanced state, then at the time of pregnancy the neurosis will only gain momentum.
- Hormonal changes. They radically affect a person’s physiology and mood.
- The reasons are psychological. Expecting a baby is an exciting process, especially if it's your first time. A woman thinks about her health, the condition of the fetus, what the child will be like, how the birth will go, etc.
- Nausea, weakness, various ailments and other problems always accompany girls during pregnancy.
- Household troubles. With pregnancy, more and more everyday issues arise (crib, stroller, money, clothes, repairs). Any little thing can traumatize the psyche. In this matter, a woman needs the support of relatives and her beloved man.
Neurosis and depression appear against the background of several listed points at once.
Diagnosis and treatment
It has not yet been well studied how maternal neurosis affects the child’s health and whether it has any effect at all. Some doctors believe that neurotic conditions in the mother are a prerequisite for their occurrence in the unborn child.
In addition, during this period, drug treatment of neurotic conditions is not very desirable. Antidepressants, tranquilizers and other substances that are often used to combat neuroses can harm the unborn child, so it is not advisable to use them. So it is better to focus on psychotherapy and other non-drug therapies. Only in extreme cases, medications are used to treat neuroses during pregnancy, usually sedatives.
Early diagnosis of the disease is very important; the earlier this is done, the higher the likelihood that the pathology will not affect the health of the mother or the unborn child. Therefore, if you are suffering from symptoms similar to those listed above, it is better to immediately contact an experienced psychotherapist.
In this case, prevention of neuroses is much more effective than treatment. Pregnancy should be desired and planned, in which case the likelihood of developing neurotic conditions is much less. If a woman does not feel lonely, is confident in her future and feels supported by the people around her, the likelihood of developing the disease is reduced to almost zero. Here are some tips to help you cope with a neurotic state:
- Try to calmly perceive your condition. Remember its uniqueness and inevitability. Realize that it will end soon.
- Take care of yourself, always try to be neat, tidy and look beautiful. This is necessary to maintain self-esteem. Today it is not difficult to find special clothes, shoes and cosmetics for expectant mothers. An attractive appearance will give you confidence and protect you from negative thoughts.
- Watch your diet carefully. Now you must take care not only of your health, but also of the health of your baby. Eat healthy foods and avoid fried foods.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Don't deny yourself some fun.
- Exercise is essential during pregnancy. Physical activity is a great way to ward off negative emotions.
- Discuss your condition with your family. If you have worries or concerns, don't keep them to yourself, share them with them. Visit your doctors regularly.
Neurosis and pregnancy: respiratory, medications, treatment
While carrying a child, unforeseen circumstances occur that cause pathologies, including neurotic disorders. It will be useful for any expectant mother to know how pregnancy and neurosis are interconnected and how to treat it.
Features of the psyche during pregnancy
With conception, a woman’s body changes dramatically. Metabolism increases, but the psychological picture worsens. A woman is already subconsciously preparing for the imminent birth of a baby and motherhood. Many things that were unimportant before pregnancy now come first.
The psyche during this period is unstable. The mood is changeable. The expectant mother pays attention to bad events and minor situations. Because of this, respiratory neurosis visits her more often during pregnancy. than other people. Changes in the hormonal field can be abrupt, and therefore there is a possibility of neurosis.
This disease affects the expectant mother, the fetus, its development and subsequent life after birth. Pregnant women suffering from neurosis have a high risk of contracting pathologies during pregnancy.
Most medications should not be taken during pregnancy. Medicines can negatively affect the development of the fetus. If a woman develops neurosis, urgent, comprehensive treatment is necessary.
Causes of neurosis
The expectant mother must understand why she has mental problems. Respiratory neurosis during pregnancy occurs due to a number of reasons.
- Hereditary predisposition. Pathology appears at the genetic level. If before conception there was an unbalanced state, then at the time of pregnancy the neurosis will only gain momentum.
- Hormonal changes. They radically affect a person’s physiology and mood.
- The reasons are psychological. Expecting a baby is an exciting process, especially if it's your first time. A woman thinks about her health, the condition of the fetus, what the child will be like, how the birth will go, etc.
- Nausea, weakness, various ailments and other problems always accompany girls during pregnancy.
- Household troubles. With pregnancy, more and more everyday issues arise (crib, stroller, money, clothes, repairs). Any little thing can traumatize the psyche. In this matter, a woman needs the support of relatives and her beloved man.
Neurosis and depression appear against the background of several listed points at once.
Symptomatic picture
The symptoms of neurosis during pregnancy are almost identical to those that existed before it. There are differences in the nature of fear and vegetative manifestations. Main symptoms:
- Weakened emotional background. There is a possibility of increased manifestation of negative emotions.
- The emergence of fears. Phobias can be of various types. There is a possibility of exacerbation of existing fears and the emergence of new ones - fears are associated with changes in appearance, weight gain, and also the fear of becoming unattractive to your husband.
- Apathy or depression. Poor health and negative thoughts only make the situation worse.
- Irritability. If inappropriate behavior or strong emotional outbursts are observed, you need to consult your doctor, he will prescribe medications that relieve stress.
- Autonomic disorders. In addition to toxicosis, severe sweating, rapid heartbeat, and headaches are observed.
Consequences of the disease
Respiratory neurosis usually does not cause severe disturbances. Pathology does not affect physiological systems. Not always, if a pregnant woman has neurosis, the child is born restless. There is a possibility that the baby will inherit diseases of the nervous system, and this may develop into a serious pathology in the future.
The threat is strong stress reactions that cause deterioration in the early stages of pregnancy.
Treatment of the disease in pregnant women
Treatment of neurosis in many cases involves visiting a psychotherapist and group sessions. If therapy is started in a timely manner, there is a chance of complete recovery and elimination of all symptoms. To correct the condition, you should follow some rules:
- It is important to accept that over the course of 9 months, physical and emotional changes are inevitable. You should realize that all this is temporary and will soon pass.
- You need to take care of your appearance. Neatness, beauty, and the use of cosmetics will preserve self-esteem and self-confidence. There are many maternity clothing and shoe stores. Various wardrobe items will help a woman look sexy.
- Correct diet. The right products will help support a woman’s immunity and general health. The maximum amount of vitamins is found in vegetables and fruits. Don't get carried away with food additives and preservatives. You should read how many useful elements are included in the products you eat.
- Good rest and good sleep. A woman will not be able to handle the number of household and work tasks that she did before pregnancy.
- It will be useful to get carried away with something. Positive emotions are very important for pregnant women.
- A little physical activity won't hurt either. Special aerobics will help a woman relax. Walking and a little activity will help overcome stress and prepare the body for the upcoming birth.
- It is important to talk about your experiences to your loved ones and your doctor. The help of relatives and specialists is very necessary during this period. It is possible to turn to psychologists.
- Remember that for 9 months nothing is more important than you and your baby.
There are cases when psychotherapeutic treatment did not produce the desired result. If this occurs in a pregnant woman, you need to visit a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications.
Sedatives and herbal medications are prescribed. Occasionally, antidepressants and tranquilizers are prescribed. This type of medication is bad for the health of the child and woman.
The doctor must check a large number of factors, examine the mother and fetus, and only then prescribe treatment.
There are many medications that have minimal side effects, but the use of such drugs should be a last resort.
Conclusion
Neurosis manifests itself due to a number of factors, both hereditary and acquired. Every woman carrying a child should understand that with conception the body changes dramatically, and this greatly affects well-being, so you should gather your thoughts and understand that pregnancy is not a disease. In 9 months everything will fall into place.
Source: https://psyhoday.ru/nevroz/beremennost.html
How to cope with neurosis during pregnancy and after childbirth?
During pregnancy, a woman’s psyche, already quite labile, often cannot withstand hormonal changes. A woman’s well-being, mood, and behavior change.
It is important to draw the line between a healthy reaction and neurosis. Unlike short-term, unstable reactions of a healthy person, neuroses significantly affect a woman’s life - they limit her ability to work, interfere with her daily activities, and create problems in communicating with her family.
Pregnancy is a strong emotional and physical stress, it may well cause neurosis.
Neuroses during pregnancy can be divided into two subtypes: neuroses during pregnancy and neuroses that arise after childbirth.
Neurosis and its causes
Neurosis during pregnancy is a change in mental state under the pressure of environmental factors, which is accompanied by a decrease in performance, the appearance of different types of thoughts and the manifestation of emotions.
The cause of neurosis is often a predisposition to this disease. It can be both acquired and hereditary. The appearance of the first is influenced by mental trauma. This is also exhaustion, overwork, both mental and physical, or chronic acquired fatigue, alcoholism.
More than once the symptoms pointed to reasons such as an active rhythm of life, information overload of the brain, so neurosis more often threatens city dwellers. Residents of villages are less likely to experience this disease.
Research by psychologists shows that it is not the number of traumatic situations that matters most, but a person’s attitude to their details. The risk of acquiring neurosis increases during hormonal surges.
Causes of disorder in pregnant women
If you look at the research results, you will find that pregnancy and neurosis are closely related. A state of nervous tension in women who decide to become mothers is normal. This is due to a hormonal surge that affects the pregnant woman’s psyche. In other words, it is called prenatal depression.
The main list of causes of neurosis is as follows:
- hormonal games,
- an uncertain situation (a woman would like to become a mother, but circumstances occur that put the family at a dead end, this often concerns a number of economic issues),
- physical lethargy (changes in the body, early toxicosis),
- changed life (due to the fact that the girl cannot perform the same operations around the house as before),
- certain predispositions (women experienced neurosis before pregnancy or have a certain genetic predisposition).
Giving up your favorite habits can become an impetus for neurosis: coffee in the morning, cigarettes, strong tea, favorite sweets or fatty foods.
The result of the influence of one or several factors can be a shattered psyche, emotional outbursts, or neurosis itself.
Neurosis during pregnancy
With neuroses during pregnancy, the most common symptoms are:
- excessive irritability;
- sleep disorders - insomnia, constant daytime sleepiness;
- tearfulness;
- excessive fatigue, severe fatigue even after minor physical exertion;
- fear of childbirth;
- a feeling of dissatisfaction with oneself and one's life.
Neurosis during pregnancy is often perceived as a normal change in character for such a period. But this disorder can harm mother and baby. Women who experience severe stress during pregnancy may have children with nervous system disorders: hyperactivity, a reduced threshold for adaptability. Such children are also characterized by severe allergic reactions, including bronchial asthma. Therefore, it is better to contact a qualified specialist. An experienced and competent doctor will make the correct diagnosis and help the pregnant woman cope with neurosis.
Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to the use of many medications, so the doctor assigns the main role in case of neurosis in pregnant women to individual psychotherapy and non-drug methods. A psychotherapist will help the woman understand that the condition is temporary and that pregnancy is not a reason to forget about yourself.
For neuroses, it is not necessary to take medications that can harm the child. There are effective non-drug methods of dealing with disorders - psychotherapy, biofeedback therapy.
For neuroses in pregnant women, biofeedback therapy is used - a biofeedback method. The essence of the method is monitoring the main systems of the body, during which the body is affected by sounds and images. A woman monitors changes in indicators (respiration rate, heartbeat, blood pressure) and learns to control her reaction to stress factors. The woman can then use the acquired relaxation skills independently.
Consequences of neurosis during pregnancy for baby and mother
Neurosis itself does not cause deep organic damage to the mother-fetus system due to the fact that the pathology lies in the mental sphere, which does not affect physiological functions. It is not necessary that a mother with neurosis will give birth to a restless baby. Rather, the child will inherit a certain type of nervous system and will be at risk of developing neurosis in the future.
Can severe neurosis lead to hypotension?
Any new symptoms of ill health that appear in a woman require examination by a doctor.
Neurosis after childbirth
Postpartum neurosis manifests itself in suspicious and anxious women. It is difficult for them to get used to the new role; they are constantly afraid for the child’s health, his life, and proper development. Due to fatigue after childbirth, a mental disorder occurs.
The woman is constantly irritated, has no appetite, and sleep is disturbed. Neurosis affects milk production and disrupts normal feeding of the child.
Due to the innate characteristics of the nervous system, the heavy load of pregnancy and childbirth on the body, a woman may be too exhausted to correspond to the ideal picture of the mother.
With postpartum neurosis, it is important for a woman not to isolate herself, but to turn to family and friends for help. Or better yet, contact a qualified specialist who can help you solve the problem.
Just as during pregnancy, you can use non-drug methods to avoid exposing your baby to medications. Individual psychotherapy reduces anxiety and calms the woman. The psychotherapist teaches relaxation skills - proper breathing, getting rid of negative thoughts. Biofeedback therapy teaches you to relax in a more modern way - using a computer program.
Causes of neurosis in pregnant women
The development of neurosis during pregnancy is usually triggered by the following factors:
- Predisposition. It is known that women with an unstable psycho-emotional background, who experience difficulties in adapting to new life circumstances, are most susceptible to the occurrence of neurosis during pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman, which have a significant impact on the general well-being of the expectant mother, including her psycho-emotional state.
- Chronic stress, nervous strain, and an unfavorable psychological atmosphere in the family or at work are common causes of neurosis in pregnant women.
- Sudden changes in lifestyle and lifestyle, caused by the need to prepare for upcoming motherhood, can act as a serious traumatic factor for the psyche of a pregnant woman.
- Experiences and worries associated with pregnancy. During the period of bearing a baby, any changes and events, even the most insignificant, can cause a woman to become a cause of increased anxiety for her life and for the life of her unborn child.
- Problems with well-being and external changes accompanying pregnancy. Manifestations of toxicosis, weight gain and associated physical and psychological discomfort are an additional irritant for the sensitive psyche of the expectant mother, negatively affecting her condition.
The main reasons for the development of neurosis during pregnancy also include hypovitaminosis, anemia, chronic diseases, lifestyle errors and poor nutrition. The presence of each of these factors can serve as a prerequisite for the development of anxiety symptoms of a neurotic disorder in the expectant mother.
Treatment of neurosis in pregnant women
Since drug treatment of neurosis in pregnant women is associated with a high risk for the health of the fetus, doctors traditionally use special psychotherapeutic techniques to stabilize the condition of such patients.
Important! The effectiveness of treatment of neurosis during pregnancy directly depends on the timeliness of therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating the pathology. An important role in the effectiveness of therapy is played by the maximum exclusion from the life of a pregnant woman of psychotraumatic factors that caused the development of the disease.
Prevention of neurosis during pregnancy
Following a number of recommendations will help the expectant mother avoid the development of neurosis and maintain psycho-emotional health during pregnancy:
- Learn to look at the world positively and not be led by negative emotions. If you realize that you are unable to influence any negative situation, try to distract yourself from the problem and concentrate on pleasant thoughts. Feel free to share your experiences and problems with your loved ones.
- Don't try to get all your household chores done, even if you were able to do them easily before pregnancy. If you feel tired, be sure to take a break to rest and return to work only when you feel a fresh surge of energy.
- Give up bad habits. Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Lack of vitamins and other useful substances in the body, along with smoking, alcohol abuse or junk food, is one of the common causes of neurosis and depression during pregnancy.
- Find time for physical activity and be outdoors more often. This will serve as an effective prevention of stress; In addition, dosed exercise will help you prepare your body for the upcoming birth.
And finally, be attentive to your own body. If symptoms that resemble signs of a neurotic disorder occur, do not self-medicate, but seek medical help promptly.
Prevention of neuroses
To maintain her psycho-emotional state and avoid the development of neuroses, a pregnant woman is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- First of all, it is necessary to redistribute housekeeping responsibilities. You will need more time to rest or go for walks.
- Accept your condition and come to terms with the fact that some changes in your body are inevitable, but not permanent. They will pass soon.
- Take care of your appearance, always be beautiful and neat, use special cosmetics. Wear clothes purchased from maternity stores. If you look attractive, you will have self-confidence and there will be no reason for negative thoughts to appear.
- It is very important to engage in special physical exercises designed for expectant mothers. They not only have a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy, but also have a positive effect on the emotional state of the woman.
- Take tight control of your diet. Avoid fried, spicy and fatty foods. Read on the packaging of the products what they consist of. Do not eat food with preservatives, dyes, flavors or flavor enhancers. Your diet should consist of raw vegetables and fruits.
- You should not give up hobbies and entertainment - this is an additional source of positive emotions.
- Share your worries or fears with your loved ones. It is important not to keep the problem to yourself, but to speak out in time. It is relatives who most often force an indecisive woman to seek help from a doctor, which helps avoid the development of severe neurosis.
- You and your baby are the most important people to take the most care of during pregnancy. Remember this.
Almost the dominant role in the prevention of neuroses is played by the atmosphere in the family. If the expectant mother does not feel loneliness, but, on the contrary, is surrounded by care and love; if she is confident in the future and feels the support of others, then the occurrence of nervous disorders is practically reduced to zero.