Pregnancy can be one of the best life experiences for a woman, but it can also be one of the worst. Various concerns that pregnant women face can lead to anxiety disorders. Pregnant women often fear losing their children, worry about the birthing process, are startled by changes in their bodies, and face increased health risks due to COVID-19.

All these factors, along with the biological changes in the pregnant woman’s body, contribute to increased anxiety levels during pregnancy, posing a risk to the health of both the woman and the baby. Therefore, let’s discuss the main causes, symptoms, and treatments of anxiety during pregnancy. Check it out!

What are the causes of anxiety in pregnancy?

Anxiety can be defined as a feeling of worry or fear about a likely future event, causing physical and emotional discomfort. It can be mild or severe. It is normal for anyone to experience anxiety levels at certain times; it is even necessary in certain situations. However, when it significantly impairs one’s life, or is more severe, we are talking about an anxiety disorder.

People with this disorder have more difficulty controlling their worries and fears. In the case of pregnant women, this intensifies due to various concerns that naturally arise during this period.

According to a study by USP “Anxiety in pregnancy: prevalence and associated factors,” anxiety in pregnancy is common in the third trimester and may be associated with:

• the pregnant woman’s profession;
• history of miscarriage;
• experiencing some pregnancy complications;
• the mother’s desire regarding the pregnancy;
• number of cigarettes smoked per day;
• the use of illicit drugs, among others.

Psychological factors regarding how the pregnant woman deals with pregnancy cannot be ignored. It is necessary to evaluate how she faces motherhood and its challenges. Additionally, the woman may also feel guilty for being anxious during a period when people expect her to be happy, which can intensify symptoms.

Coronavirus in pregnant women has become an additional concern. Their fears are intensified by not knowing what a new virus can do to their health and the baby’s. The risks of contamination are heightened by the need to visit clinics, offices, and hospitals for medical check-ups.

How to identify the symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy?

The diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder is made through clinical investigation. In other words, the woman needs to seek professional help from a psychologist if she identifies some symptoms.

Some anxiety symptoms are:

• Very intense fear;
• Anguish;
• Feeling of guilt;
• Excessive worry,
• Negative or catastrophic thoughts;
• Sweating;
• Palpitations;
• Tremors;
• Shortness of breath;
• Feeling unable to concentrate or a “blank mind”;
• Feeling on edge or exhausted.

Consequences of anxiety for the pregnant woman and the fetus

According to the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, anxiety in pregnancy can cause physiological, behavioral, and emotional harm. See more details below.

Physiological harm

The impacts of the pregnant woman’s anxiety on the baby’s development can be biologically different. However, it is found that anxious pregnant women may experience negative impacts on the growth of the nervous system and overall development of the baby.

Moreover, children of anxious mothers may face reduced respiratory capacity both in childhood and adulthood, developing diseases such as asthma, coronary diseases specifically in adults, and reduced heart rate variability.

Behavioral harm

In terms of behavior, anxiety in pregnancy can lead to prolonged crying during the neonatal period, irritability, and restlessness. Additionally, different reactions to stressful life events, weak mother-child interaction, and more fear in dealing with everyday events.

Mental harm

Regarding mental harm, when anxiety levels in pregnant women are high, they may develop more mental disorders, emotional problems, hyperactivity, and difficulty maintaining concentration. Moreover, stress hormones like Cortisol, when inducing anxiety, cause disruptions in the woman’s routine and professional and personal relationships.

What are the treatments for this problem?

There are some practices recommended by Instituto Nascer, which should be followed to treat anxiety in pregnancy without the need for medication, being viable alternatives precisely because they do not pose risks to the health of the child or the pregnant woman. Some that we can list are:

• Getting good sleep;
• Preparing for future changes;
• Using meditation and yoga;
• Exercising under medical recommendation;
• Learning to breathe better.

Clinical hypnosis as treatment

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), with small considerations from the Sociedade Brasileira de Hipnose (SBH), hypnosis can be defined as a state of consciousness [intentionally induced] involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterized by an increased capacity to respond to suggestion. In this state, the subject is guided to experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior [goal-oriented].

Thus, clinical hypnosis for pregnant women can provide them with greater ease in following all these practices. With hypnosis, the pregnant woman is consciously induced into a state of calm and tranquility, becoming more susceptible to suggestions of good thoughts and emotions. She can also learn breathing and relaxation techniques for better sleep and even reduce labor pains.

Remembering that these clinical hypnosis techniques do not need to be restricted only to healthcare professionals; they can also be used by the pregnant woman’s companion. This provides pregnant women with greater care for their mental health during this delicate process that requires more attention.

Therefore, although anxiety in pregnancy poses risks to the health of the pregnant woman and the child, it can be avoided with good clinical hypnosis practices. So, if you are a pregnant woman or know one who is struggling with anxiety, learn more about hypnosis and how it can help solve these problems.

If you are looking for more information about clinical hypnosis, then you need to read our free e-book on HypnoPregancy & ChildBirth.

Originally posted 2021-02-09 17:43:11.