Types of Mental Health States During Pregnancy

Source: en.wikipedia.org

 

The medical literature described other clinical states that can happen during pregnancy. It is important to differentiate and identify the clinical state of the mother as each may require a different approach. Some may need psychotherapy, medications, or none at all.

Baby Blues. Considered as the most common form of mood imbalance occurring as early as Day 5 following delivery period and will last until 10 or 14 days. If the symptoms are mild, the mothering role is not compromised, and treatment may not be needed. However, if symptoms worsen, this can lead to a full-blown PPD.

“A new baby is the most exciting event on earth, but caring for the baby is a major new life adaptation. Baby blues is very common – crying and irritability To deal with it, one needs loving support, and others on hand to share in the care,” psychiatrist Dr. Robert Berezin M.D. explains the condition.

Post-partum Depression is a psychological state involving depressive episodes in some mothers occurring during pregnancy or after giving birth. Treatments may include psychotherapy or administration of certain medications to manage or treat the psychological imbalance. Experts believe that this can happen to mothers whose pregnancy is a result of rape or sexual abuse, lack of support from families or the husband, history of mental illness in the family, and hormonal imbalance that happens during pregnancy that may affect the brain functioning to regulate mood and effect.

Postpartum Panic Disorder. Presenting almost the same clinical features of a panic attack, the condition does not primarily display depression but fear or being scared to death. Medications can be given immediately to help the mother get over with panic symptoms. SSRIs or Serotonin reuptake inhibitors can alleviate symptoms of heightened anxiety levels, and CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy can be used as the panic attacks become frequent.

 

Source: health.mil

 

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD). Another mental health state that does not clinically portray depression as the primary problem, but the intrusive thoughts and compulsions following feelings of anxiety over the new role or experience. This is very common for new or young mothers and fathers alike. Being new to the parenting role, they possess the state of fear that they will do harm than good to the infant thus a cycle of obsession and compulsive actions are developed. The good news is that this condition is treatable and only temporary.

Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPPTSD). Giving birth can pose life-threatening situations both to the mother and the infant. Condition or circumstances like undergoing birth trauma such as forceps delivery, prolapse of the cord, or bleeding can lead to a traumatic experience for the mother and may eventually develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. This is also a temporary state and resolves once the mother has fully grasped the situation and with the help of mental health professionals and significant others.

“Postpartum PTSD is very different from Postpartum Depression. The former occurs as a result of trauma (or perceived trauma) during delivery, while the latter happens because of hormonal changes in a woman’s body as a natural result of giving birth,” according to Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD.

 

Source: health.mil

 

Postpartum Psychosis. The most serious and warrants hospital admission as the mother can be a threat to the infant or herself. The mother will be presenting significant signs of psychosis such as thought process deviations like hallucinations, illusion, and delusions. Since inpatient admission is required, the mother is prescribed with antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy in the later stages

 

Mothers need all the support, assistance, and care they need during pregnancy and after giving birth. The presence of the husband or father is very crucial during the whole pregnancy stage. Family support coming from first-degree family members is very significant to the mother while undergoing this phase of her life. One thing to remember is a happy pregnancy can lead to positive outlooks in the future.

To close, Robert J. Hedaya MD, DLFAPA, ABPN, CFM remind moms and dads: “I encourage child-bearing women to thoroughly discuss any mood disturbances with their physicians and their partner. Your emotional well-being is essential to your health, the health of your child, and the stability of your family.”

PCOS Causes That You Need To Know About

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In my 25 years of existence, never have I ever pictured myself out dealing with an ovarian-related problem. My lifestyle is no different from my same-aged peers. I have a nine-to-five job that I neither love nor hate; I party and date when the opportunity arises. Of course, I also dream of becoming a mom of not one but three kids in the near future.

However, a few months back, I realized that I missed two cycles consecutively. Missing one period used not to bother me; I was told at a young age that it happens sometimes. But when a couple of months passed without menstruating, I thought, “Am I pregnant?” Multiple pregnancy test kits said ‘no,’ so what could it be?

Continue reading PCOS Causes That You Need To Know About

Signs Of PCOS That You Shouldn’t Miss

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Source: pixabay.com

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related issue that people hardly think about even if it’s staring at them in the face. The reason is that we all lack awareness about the existence of this illness. It does not come with painful symptoms either, which are usually the indications that push women to consult an OB-GYN. Despite that, PCOS is as real as any other disease you can think of.

“The symptoms of PCOS start when your pituitary makes too much leutinizing hormone (LH) and/or your pancreas makes too much insulin. This causes your ovaries to make more testosterone than your body needs, which helps explain the extra acne and body hair. Too much testosterone can also cause cysts in your ovaries which aren’t so much cysts as they are immature follicles which started to develop but stopped before they could release an egg,” according to Paul Joannides Psy.D.

In truth, the polycystic ovarian syndrome can be your worst nightmare, especially if all you have ever dreamed of is to become a mom. Having PCOS entails that cysts form outside of your ovaries, preventing the egg cells from getting released. Even when you are trying to conceive with your husband, the sperm cells will eventually die because they don’t have eggs to fertilize.

Considering you have not been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome but still unsure whether you have it or not, here are some signs that you should not miss.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle

The first sign of PCOS is an irregular menstrual cycle. Some women go through a month or two without getting their period while others can go as far as six months. At times, the flow is heavy, and the duration lasts up to seven days; other times, it’s a miracle to reach the third day. You cannot overlook this indication because the irregularity can lower your chances of getting pregnant in the future.

Weight Gain

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Source: pixabay.com

Although not all PCOS patients are either obese or overweight, most of them are. The reason is that the syndrome reduces your body’s ability to make use of insulin, the hormone to transform carbohydrates into energy. As a result, the sugars turn into fats, and your love handles will not go away regardless of how much exercising and dieting you do.

When an OB-GYN diagnoses PCOS, they usually prescribe metformin. You may have heard of this drug from people with diabetes before, but it can also be useful for women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. Not only can metformin reduce your blood glucose, after all, but you can count on it to normalize your cycle as well.

Acne

You should have been able to get rid of your acne problem once the puberty stage is over. However, considering you still see zits on your face, back, and other body parts, it may indicate that you have PCOS.

There’s no need to be surprised if it happens. As you know, both acne and polycystic ovaries are brought about by hormonal changes. You cannot treat your pimples adequately if you have no idea about the condition that causes them to appear.

Final Thoughts

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Source: pixabay.com

Helena Teede MBBS, PhD, FRACP said, “Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is key in the management of PCOS and needs engagement and support for affected women in lifestyle modification.”

Have you noticed some or all of the signs mentioned above in you? If not, it most likely means that you are safe from PCOS. If you have, however, you should go to your OB-GYN to confirm it. This way, you can see your treatment options and figure out a way to at least regularize your period or get pregnant despite having this syndrome.

Therapy is also the best resort for your mental health. “Counseling and support may help make this goal more attainable to patients with PCOS, perhaps saving them the heartbreak and expense of infertility and its treatment,” according to Joann P. Galst Ph.D.

Good luck!

Coping With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Source: pixabay.com

People say that when life gives you lemons, you are supposed to make lemonade. It entails that you need to see the situation in a positive light, no matter what. However, can you still do the same if life gives you polycystic ovaries?

“This is a hormone imbalance that can result in irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, acne, extra weight gain, baldness, and patches of dark skin on the back of your neck and inner thighs that weren’t caused by some guy giving you a hickey,” says Paul Joannides Psy.D.

The latter is the question that I kept on asking myself after I got diagnosed with PCOS. At the time, I had not gotten my menstruation for three months straight. I was not sexually active, so it was easy to rule out pregnancy. There were no other symptoms as well aside from the lack of bleeding each month. Hence, I asked my mom to book an appointment for me with her OB-GYN.

When the doctor was already using an ultrasound, I saw little spots covering my ovaries. From what I heard, the image should be smooth if everything’s fine. Due to the new picture, though, it allowed the OB-GYN to deduce that I have the polycystic ovary syndrome.

I admit that I moped a bit after learning about my PCOS. That was especially true in the next months when I was taking pills to boost menstruation. But I knew that there was no one to blame for it except for myself.

If you want to know how to cope after finding out that you have PCOS, here’s what you can do.

Accept The Condition

Source: pixabay.com

The first thing that you should do is to accept that you have polycystic ovary syndrome. There’s no denying it – the ultrasound undoubtedly says so. You may visit another OB-GYN to get the second opinion, but if the results are similar to what you have received from the first one, you have no choice but to accept the condition.

In truth, acceptance will always be the key to coping and possibly healing. You cannot do anything if you cannot cross this initial step.

Lessen Your Stressors

I am not a doctor, but I can say for sure that your lifestyle can affect your PCOS. When I got diagnosed with it, after all, I had weeks of sleepless nights. I was doing my thesis and writing full-time back then, so I did not have enough hours of rest. The situation only improved when I lessened my workload and slept a lot and ate healthily.

It will also be helpful if you can stay away from people who always stress you out. Stressors are not your best friend; they can aggravate your condition. If you want to have regular cycles, you need to let go of stressful folks in your life.

Keep An Open Mind Regarding Treatment

PCOS is technically easy to treat. Some people regularize their menstruation by exercising and eating well; others get prescribed with progesterone pills or injections. In case either will not work, though, the OB-GYN may tell you to take birth control pills for up to six months at max. I suggest staying open-minded when it comes to treatments.

“The key take home messages are that while lifestyle management is the first and most important step in the management of PCOS, addition of metformin to lifestyle modification appears to provide additional advantages in improving BMI and menstrual cyclicity in the medium term,” says Helena Teede MBBS, PhD, FRACP.

Therapy can also provide relief, mentally.

“Counseling and support may help make this goal more attainable to patients with PCOS, perhaps saving them the heartbreak and expense of infertility and its treatment,” according to Joann P. Galst Ph.D.

Final Thoughts

Source: pixabay.com

Remember that polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition. Meaning, any action that deviates from how your body is supposed to be can take your hormones out for a spin and activate your PCOS. You may never be able to overcome the disease, but you can learn how to cope with it.

Worries Of A PCOS Patient

Source: pixabay.com

Seeing me for the first time may indicate how bubbly I am as a person. I smile and laugh easily; I am extremely chill to be with as well. However, you should believe that like most people, I can hide my problems behind the broad smiles and loud laughs I give.

In truth, I was diagnosed with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) when I was 19 years old. The layman explanation for this condition is that watery cysts engulf the ovaries, preventing the eggs from coming out. The result is that the menstruation becomes delayed for months.

I read online from Joann P. Galst Ph.D. that: “PCOS, a common cause of female infertility, is a hormonal disorder in which cysts form on the ovaries (unfertilized eggs). The condition can cause women’s bodies to produce excess male hormones and not provide a woman’s body with enough female hormones for the eggs in her ovaries to mature, thus interfering with ovulation. Symptoms of this hormonal disorder may manifest as excessive growth of body hair, acne, weight gain, and irregular periods.”

I have been keeping in touch with my OB-GYN ever since I learned about my PCOS. She checks on me every month and makes sure that I am getting my periods regularly. Despite that, from the day I found out about it up to now, I can’t shake off a few worries.

Can I Get Pregnant?

My biggest concern is my capability to conceive a baby and carry it to full-term. Although I am not a doctor, I am aware of the basic idea that menstruating each month increases my chances of being a mom. The blood entails that at least one egg drops from the ovaries, albeit unfertilized. So, there is no barrier for the sperm cells if ever I am ready to bear a child.

As mentioned above, however, having polycystic ovary syndrome makes the cycle unstable. Sometimes it is regular; other times, it skips. That is why it feels bothersome to ensure that I can become a mom in time.

 

Source: pixabay.com

When Can I Mind My Lifestyle Less?

It seems typical for every individual to want to let loose and do everything guilt-free. If you want to drink soda all day long, you can do it. In case you binge-watch on Netflix till morning and only eat junk foods, no one will scold you.

The thing is, I have not been able to do any of that since the diagnosis. After all, the OB-GYN has had a great sense that the PCOS came about because all I used to eat are junk foods. Not to mention, I barely slept due to work.

I know that being mindful of my lifestyle can regularize my cycle, but I still miss the old, PCOS-free days.

Will My PCOS Go Away?

The question seems pointless, considering polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the illnesses that scientists still don’t know much about. As a patient, though, I can’t help but wonder if it will ever happen.

PCOS is not as life-threatening as cancer or diabetes – that’s true. It does not come with debilitating symptoms either. Still, it is difficult to carry a disease that can prevent you from reaching the full circle.

“The key take home messages are that while lifestyle management is the first and most important step in the management of PCOS, addition of metformin to lifestyle modification appears to provide additional advantages in improving BMI and menstrual cyclicity in the medium term,” says Helena Teede MBBS, PhD, FRACP.

Final Thoughts

Source: pixabay.com

 

Learning that you have a condition that science cannot understand or help you get rid of can be frustrating. That is precisely the case when it affects your ability to get pregnant. Nevertheless, if you devote yourself to the various treatment options that your doctor may present to you, nothing is impossible. “The most common treatment for PCOS is the birth control pill, which lowers testosterone in a woman’s body. Diet and exercise are also recommended. PCOS is associated with diabetes and obesity, and can result in making it difficult to conceive,” according to Paul Joannides Psy.D.

Good luck!

Madonna In The Eyes Of The Master And Antoniazzo Romano

According to therapists, paintings are works of art whose meanings cannot often be easily interpreted at a glance. One has to look at the vividness or lightness of colors truly and the figures being portrayed in the masterpiece for you to have an inkling regarding the ideas that have been running in the artist’s mind when he or she was finishing it.

The subject that they paint is not always unique. The distinction shows in the manner that they have expressed the scenario. A particular matter that many artists have done a piece of in the last centuries in the Madonna.

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Source: commons.wikimedia.org

The Mother And Child

Madonna is the illustration of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus Christ. This has been the subject for various Italian Renaissance painters, to be specific, because of the strong prevalence of Catholic and Orthodox religions in European countries. To craft such a representation of a religious icon exhibits their belief and devotion to the lady who has agreed to carry in her womb the son of God, despite her purity and unmarried status at the time of conception.

Some of the talented people who have painted their version of Madonna are Salvador Dali, Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Bellini, Raffaello, and Michelangelo. However, the artists who have nailed their name in art history through this figure are the Master and Antoniazzo Romano.

Master’s Straus Madonna

If typical depictions of Madonna only show the mother and the child, Master’s Straus Madonna are more elaborate than that. In his painting, you will see both of them gazing at each other’s eyes. The two angels are watching over Mary and Jesus, while the four saints – two of which have been identified as Saint Dominic and Saint John the Baptist – are below them.

Upon taking a closer look, it is apparent that the mother and the child are floating above the saints, and the angels seem to be ascending with the two. The creases and folds on the characters’ garments are very defined, and the cloth that covers the baby’s lower body has a pinkish hue.

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Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Antoniazzo Romano’s Madonna

The Madonna painting that was created by Antoniazzo Romano gives a clear picture of the Virgin Mary’s enthronement. The image produced displays a crown directly above the mother’s head. On her right is Saint Peter, while Saint Paul has occupied the left side. The former is presenting a book the Mary as he holds the actual key to heaven in his other hand, whereas the former clutches a bible and a sword.

In this case, the baby is standing on his mother’s lap and is only slightly supported by Mary’s arm. The background is similar to a church setting, yet the new queen is sitting in an actual throne. There are extra details on the halo of Mary and Jesus as well, in comparison to the saints’.

The Artists’ Painting Styles Explained

The greatest painters, even though they paint diverse things all the time, illustrate most of their subjects in a fashion that can only be attributed to them. The Master of the Straus Madonna, for instance, has formed slim figures, as this is what he is famous for. As for Antoniazzo Romano’s Madonna, the faces are slightly bigger and somewhat lighter.

The two paintings are similar, however, in the sense that the artists have used the same medium to generate such masterpieces. During the time when the idea about these artworks has been perceived, the painters have become accustomed to painting on a panel. Before that, the artists back then have only been familiar with working on walls, ceilings, and statues, and their imagination has brought the fresco into existence. Further experimentations and their desire to be able to paint on something that can be carried anywhere has made them realize that painting on wood is a great choice as well.

Romano and Master’s versions of Madonna have been done with gold leaf and the tempera medium. Tempera refers to colors which have resulted from mixing the egg yolk and different pigments. The yolk serves as the binding material between the dye and the panel. Because the shades that an artist can obtain from this are quite limited, they have decided to incorporated bits of gold into the artwork, intending to emphasize the shapes and lines in it. This is the ultimate secret behind the figures’ three-dimensional forms.

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Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Master Vs. Antoniazzo Romano’s Representation

The identity of the mother and child may be alike in the paintings of the artists, but their facial expressions are not. The Master has displayed Mary as a parent who lovingly stares at her son. She cradles Jesus in both of her arms, and you can get the feeling that you are witnessing a special bonding moment between the two. This has always been how the Virgin Mother’s character was portrayed across history.

On the other hand, Romano’s Madonna does not have the warmth that surrounds the Master’s painting. In this specific piece, Mary and baby Jesus’s gazes are directed to what is ahead of them. Because of this, it can be immediately deduced that she is the queen, and in her arms is the future king of all the kings. This invokes a solid sense of superiority there that is not evident in the Madonna made by the Master, even though in that masterpiece the mother and child are ascending to the heavens and with the saints underneath them.

One explanation that can come to mind is that the visible changes are due to the age difference of the infants in Romano and Master’s paintings. The latter is in a very early stage of his life in which he cannot do anything without his mother. Thus, they are communicating through emotional and physical touches alone. On the contrary, the baby in the former can stand up, so it entails he can already understand Mary’s words. This does not entail though that the bond that is connecting them has been broken.

Final Thoughts

The slight dissimilarity in the masterpieces of Antoniazzo Romano and the Master shows the true nature of mothers in the universe. Their love for the offspring is everlasting, yet they know when is the right time to let go and allow the child to do his or her life tasks.

How To Cope With Fertility Issues

Research in psychology shows that stress experienced by women after learning about their infertility is similar to the feeling of women experiencing serious physical illnesses. Infertility is a difficult situation to be in. Entirely accepting it is even harder, as the situation itself seems ridiculous to most would-be mothers.

In fact, why would they believe that they’re infertile? Every woman can reproduce and bear offspring, right?

Sadly, science, numerous research, and women like you prove the contrary. Infertility is a real and serious situation women go through. It results in confusion, refusal to admit to the condition, and incomprehension. In most cases, women can feel sad for long periods, feel their self-esteem plummet, and in extreme cases, develop illnesses related to depression and anxiety.

What Is Infertility?

 

Infertility is the inability to get pregnant. Studies show that ten to 15 percent of paired partners in the country are unable to produce a child. These numbers indicate that you are not alone in your journey, and other women and pairs out there are suffering from the devastating news of not being able to carry a child either.

Infertility is usual in women age 35 and over, with irregular menstrual cycles, and have had miscarriages before. Causes of infertility might be ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical problems, damage or blockage on fallopian tubes, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and primary ovarian insufficiency. Cancer and its respective treatments can also affect fertility, as well as other medical conditions that are associated with delayed puberty and irregular cycles.

Source: thebluediamondgallery.com

How Do You Cope With Infertility?

“My life felt meaningless. My infertility—something of which I had no control—was labeled a personal defect. I punished myself with critical self-talk and judgment,” says Jamie Long PsyD about her personal feelings about her infertility.

Knowing that you’re infertile not only affects your perception of yourself but your relationship with your partner as well, especially if having children were a large part of your plan. Remember though, that it is not your fault if you’re unable to bear a child. A lot of different factors cause infertility in women, some of these even for unknown reasons.

It’s normal to undergo all the five stages of grief, and it’s also reasonable to feel sad for weeks after learning of the news. Infertility is usually a condition that lasts throughout your life, where you have little to absolutely no chance of producing offspring at all.

Here’s how you can cope with the news of your infertility:

  1. Identify and accept all of your feelings.

“The couple has to accept that their path to pregnancy will be complicated and more mechanical than they might have hoped for, giving each other permission to talk about it and express their disappointment without false reassurances from the other in order to stay connected,” says Laurie J Watson LMFT, LPC.

Allow yourself to grieve and be sad about the news. Don’t bottle up all of your emotions, nor deny yourself of the chance to be vulnerable. Forget all of the expectations you have and focus on your feelings, let yourself brood, and accept what has happened to you. This is your reality, and it is something people also usually go through. It’s not okay, but you will be, eventually.

Source: flickr.com

  1. Gather support.

During this critical time, it’s essential you only surround yourself with people who sympathize and understand your situation. You need the support of your spouse the most, too. Talk to him and discuss your pain, and what you want to do.

People who are not helpful in your recovery should be forgotten and set aside, as these are detrimental to your growth. Having a support system helps you get through darker days. Knowing that people who love you and care for you are waiting for you to get better and supporting you every step of the way will improve your mood and lead to your steady recovery.

  1. Write your feelings down when it gets too much.

Of course, there will be times when you experience regression. As always, allow yourself to be sad. Bottling up your emotions won’t improve your mood. You can try writing your feelings daily, like in a diary or a journal. Writing your feelings allows you to see your emotions from a detached perspective; you can review your thoughts, and understand how or why you felt like that and what you can do to help yourself recover.

  1. Ignore the social stigma and focus on your betterment.

Take a break from social media, and away from people who comment badly on your condition. They don’t know or understand what you’re going through, so their negative comments should have no bearing on your mind.

Source: flickr.com

  1. Consider counseling and therapy.

“The good news is that support, counseling, and self-reflection can all help to alleviate negative self-perceptions related to infertility,” says Abbie Goldberg Ph.D.

If you begin experiencing signs of depression or anxiety, consider getting help with counseling or therapy right away. Don’t let your mental condition remain stagnant and get help right away.

Remember, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, sad, and pain at the news. But you should not forget that there’s a life outside of this too, that you can still have a family in non-conventional ways, and that it is possible to move on from this devastating news.

Mommy Matters, Too: Taking Care Of Your Mental Health in Pregnancy

The challenge of motherhood can be daunting. Just thinking about the responsibility of bearing a child and what it means once you give birth is outright stressful. Motherhood is a lifetime commitment. The entire pregnancy process is nine months long, where you have to deal with your body changing to accommodate the life growing inside you.

Of course, coupled with stress, once the pressure and anxiety of the unknown come crashing down on you, you’ll feel sad and fatigued. That’s perfectly normal. Once your body has begun changing significantly, it will naturally affect the state of your mental health as well.

“Motherhood is challenging but humans are certainly capable of bouncing back from difficulty and renewing themselves. So what could make a woman vulnerable to mental illness as a mother? Well there could be many answers to that. Genetics, social environment, really bad luck, other stressors at the time of motherhood. It is often the perfect storm of some of these characteristics affecting a woman’s ability to be a mother,” says Erika Krull, MS, LMHP.

Source: flickr.com

If you’re feeling sad, lonely, nervous or worried, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. It’s essential that concerns such as this one are given notice right away, and not ignored. For you and your baby’s health, you should take care of yourself as much as you can. Sleep on time, eat healthy foods on time, exercise and regularly take your vitamins. If you feel like you need help, especially with regards to your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out. As you go through your pregnancy, you’ll quickly realize that you’ll need a support system to get you through this experience. Don’t keep your problems to yourself. When it gets too much, reach out.

About 15% of women will develop depression or anxiety during pregnancy. These are among the most common mental health problems during pregnancy. Some illnesses that women are prone to during pregnancy are depression, anxiety, and in some cases, bipolar disorder. One out of ten women experiences antenatal depression, which is not uncommon. Antenatal anxiety is also a common illness and may be experienced together with depression at the same time. Antenatal depression, if left untreated, can be a precursor to postpartum depression.

Pregnancy And Depression

“Depression is a disorder that develops from environmental and biological issues that are unique to each person. Only one out of four individuals [with depression] seeks treatment. The reason more don’t go for psychotherapy or medication is stigma,” says Deborah Serani PsyD.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects 1 in every four women during the span of their entire life. Pregnant women are not an exception. However, diagnosis of depression can be during pregnancy due to a tendency of it being just another type of hormonal imbalance. Depression during pregnancy is called antepartum depression. It is a biological illness that involves changes in the chemical makeup of the brain. During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect the chemicals in your mind which are directly related to depression and anxiety.

Anxiety In Pregnancy

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, and fear that can either be mild or severe. Some people with anxiety are also at risk of having panic attacks. Pregnant women may feel an overwhelming amount of worry, fear, anxiousness, and panic despite being okay physically. You have to remember that anxiety is a mental health condition and though you appear okay on the outside, doesn’t always mean you’re okay on the inside too. Anxiety in pregnancy is usual, with a ratio of 1 in every ten women having it.

Take Care Of Your Mental Health

Pregnancy and childbirth are major life events, so it’s understandable if you’re in utter fear of what the future may bring. Both can baffle you and affect your mental health significantly even without you noticing, so it’s essential that you talk to someone about your feelings and emotions.

Source: af.mil

Treating mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are treated the same way with pregnant women as with non-pregnant women. Once you’ve reached out and there has been a diagnosis of your mental health, steps will be taken to ensure you’re getting the help you need and deserve. Treatment includes weekly counseling and therapy sessions, and doctors might prescribe some safe medicine that can help ebb the hormonal imbalances in your brain. Safe exercises might also be suggested, like yoga and meditation. Your doctor might recommend any treatment that brings forth peace of mind and your overall wellbeing.

Source: pixabay.com

Talk to your doctor or your gynecologist. With pregnancy bears a lot of pressure and expectations that might get the better of you. It’s important to discuss these emotions and feelings with someone else, someone you trust, so they can guide you and possibly lessen the burden you are already carrying as a would-be mother. Motherhood is a fulfilling but entirely stressful experience, which is why you deserve to get as much help as you can as you journey down the road of procreation.

“It takes leaving those brains and smarts at the door and opening your heart and soul to the unknown. It’s in these moments where real connection lies, where children listen to what you’re saying—and learn from the mistakes and life lessons we teach them,” according to therapist Esther Goldstein, LCSW.

How To Prevent Mental Illness And Prepare For Glucose Challenge Test During Pregnancy

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Source: pxhere.com

“Moms today are vulnerable in so many ways. With so many opportunities and freedoms, women can choose a lot of life paths including motherhood. But when genetic factors, relationship stressors, and other situations collide with motherhood, everyone can lose,” according to Erika Krull, MS, LMHP.

Although being able to bear a child gives an immense sense of fulfillment for most women since it signifies that their lives have come to a full circle, going through it tends to make some develop a mental illness. The typical ones that expectant mothers get diagnosed with are anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

After all, it is not only your hormonal level that changes every month but also your body and priorities. That tends to be difficult to deal with, regardless of how much you want to have a baby.

Hence, here are six ideas to make things more bearable during your pregnancy.

1. Eat Right

While the momma does need to consume enough food for two people during pregnancy, you have to watch your diet still to ensure that you will not go beyond the weight limit. If you become overweight with a growing baby in your womb, it may be difficult for you to move around or give birth naturally.

2. Relax More

Considering you always work under a lot of pressure, you may need to take a leave of absence as that side of your life might stress you and your unborn kid out. Extreme fatigue can make one’s condition troublesome, or worse, cause a miscarriage. Thus, the mother has to obtain more relaxation times. “I’d use mindfulness to bring myself back to the present, away from all of the future-focused worries and back to the beautiful, curious creature in front of me,” says Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco, Ph.D.

3. Be Fit

There are exercises that trainers designed for mommies to ascertain that you are still physically active even when you are pregnant. Fitness offers many benefits too, such as making the delivery easier and maintaining the right weight.

Melanie S. Poudevigne, PhD, of Clayton State University, Georgia points out that the adverse consequences of inactivity “may be an especially important problem among pregnant women,” as up to 60 percent are inactive during pregnancy.

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Source: pixabay.com

4. Take Supplements

Pregnant women go to doctors regularly not only to get their baby checked but also to get prenatal vitamins. These pills provide the nourishment that you may not get from what you eat, you see. They can also assist in the healthy development of the fetus.

5. Sleep A Lot

Ladies tend to feel more tired than ever when they are carrying a child because the body works so hard to take care of another human being. The best way to combat exhaustion is by sleeping. This activity assures that you can replenish your energy until the baby comes.

6. Take The Glucose Challenge Test

One of the healthcare examinations that pregnant women need to get subjected to is the Glucose Challenge Test (GCT). In a nutshell, it aims to help you find out whether you have gestational diabetes or not. The said condition is entirely different from Type 2 diabetes which men or women contract at any age since it only becomes apparent when someone goes through pregnancy.

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Source: flickr.com

Why Should Gestational Diabetes Get Detected Early?

Obstetricians perform the GCT on their patients who are six to eight months pregnant, in general. However, certain factors will require them to do it as promptly as the first prenatal checkup, including obesity and diabetic history in the family. The testing for gestational diabetes should take place within this period because the amount of insulin that the soon-to-be mother produces is usually higher than usual. For this reason, it can trigger more complex issues that might take effect during pregnancy.

What Should Expectant Mothers Not Do Before The Examination?

The Glucose Challenge Screening Test is unlike the typical blood sugar test that requires people to fast for several hours beforehand. The central ideology behind this valuation is to observe how quickly can the system process the new sugar that enters the body. Thus, you should not stop consuming the common foods and beverages that you take daily to make the test results reliable. Consequently, if you have weight problems, the doctor may also advise you to eat no less than 150 grams of carbohydrates for three straight days before the appointment.

How Does The GCT Occur?

On the day that you are supposed to return for the examination, you will need to drink a solution that consists of about 75 grams of glucose in a maximum of five minutes. Since it is sugar, the taste may appeal to you. If not, some testing centers offer this liquid in various flavors such as line, orange, and cola.

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Source: health.mil

Once you have finished the solution, you need to wait for precisely an hour before the health practitioner can draw a blood sample out of you. During this gap, you can take a seat anywhere or busy yourself with a book or smartphone, but you cannot move around too much to allow the glucose to settle in properly.

For scientific purposes, the medical specialist will take a sample of the patient’s blood before the consumption of the liquid, and then twice after the one-hour window. It ascertains that they can generate an accurate report. If it turns out that you indeed have gestational diabetes, you may go through the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).

What Can Pregnant Women Expect From The GCT?

The glucose solution that they will ask you to drink does not give off an adverse side effect. But because you need to consume a sweet beverage within five minutes, you might experience lightheadedness or nausea. On a positive note, this sensation will disappear after some time without any drug; thus, you should not worry much about it.

Final Thoughts

Prevention will always be more favorable than cure. Besides, if we speak of mental illness or even a physical condition like diabetes, there is usually no turning back from that. Hence, you should follow the tips given above to avoid causing trouble on yourself during pregnancy.

How To Survive Pregnancy And Emotional Abandonment

A lot of things can happen in your life that will make you feel like the whole or entire world has turned its back on you. During these moments, it is completely okay to cry and let your emotions out. Sometimes, doing such a thing is the only way to keep your sanity. Keep in mind that experiencing difficulties and extreme challenges can be traumatic on your part. “No one said that being a mother was an easy job. Its quite simply the hardest job around,” Michele L. Brennan, Psy.D. said.

In this article, we are going to primarily focus on how to survive emotional abandonment during your pregnancy. What can you do when your hopes of creating a family of your own have become impossible?

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Think Of The Baby First

 

When you are suffering from an emotional trauma caused by rejection from the father of your child, it is possible that you will lose yourself. Unfortunately, it can also give rise to certain thoughts about giving up. What you need to do is to remind yourself that you are going to become a mother soon. It means that your responsibility is not only with yourself but also with your upcoming baby. Do not let your ex-lover make you think that you deserve to be lonely. Instead, embrace your pregnancy.

Emotional trauma is hard to overcome, but then again, Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD says “But how do you actually overcome helplessness, find meaning in life, gain optimism, and learn new perspectives?” even after this terrible ordeal in your life?  She says that you should write a list of the things you love doing, what you want to achieve, and your life goals, among other things.

Learn How To Forgive

 

At this point, it is vital to discuss the fact that keeping a grudge within you can pose some danger or risks to your health and that of your baby. As such, it is best if you will just let go of what happened and move on from the painful experience. Just because the father of your child is not responsible does not mean that you can do the same. What is essential is to keep your head held high. Forgive your former partner so that you can truly move forward to better tomorrows.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Cut Communication Lines

 

Never beg someone to stay in your life if it is obvious that he does not want to do such a thing. Therefore, you have to entertain the idea of cutting or terminating the communication ties between you and the father of your beloved kid. Keep in mind that the more you establish a connection with him, the more stressful it would be on your part. If it continues to happen, there is a high chance that you will be stressed throughout your pregnancy.

 

Confide To Someone

 

Never make the mistake of keeping all your worries to yourself. Feel free to open up to someone whom you can trust. In so doing, you are somehow making a way to feel relieved about the situation. Do not forget that life is difficult if you do not have someone to talk to. The step that you need to take is to look for a true friend who will never reveal your secrets. With this person, you can let your guards down because there is a guarantee that he will support you.

 

Ask For Help

 

Another essential thing that you must keep in mind is never to feel embarrassed to ask for help from the people surrounding you. Take note that many things to take care of when it comes to getting pregnant. Hence, you must acknowledge the reality that you need to ask for help from the right individuals in your life. Call a close friend or a family member who can assist you in your pregnancy needs. Never send them away because of having a high pride.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Consult With A Doctor

 

Feeling in pain because of the abandonment is not enough reason to miss your medical checkups. Do not forget that you have to see your doctor on a regular basis to check if your baby is safe. At the same time, it is also significant so that you will have an idea about your pregnancy. Remember that your pregnancy may be complicated, which is why there is a great necessity to get the regular pre-natal examinations. Trust the doctor that he will do everything he can to protect himself.

 

Keep Yourself Busy

“A 2018 study conducted by researchers at Mass General and Yale University shows that even brief amounts of meditation benefits cognitive performance and attention,” says Dr. Jamie Long PsyD. This is how she keeps herself busy.

Cliché as it may sound but the secret to overcoming the depression and grief brought by emotional abandonment is to keep yourself busy. Look for the things that you are passionate about and pursue your dreams. For example, you can spend most of your time reading about motherhood so that you can be confident in raising a child of your own in the next future. Another excellent idea is to attend workshops or seminars that will teach you a new skill. Do something that will spark joy in your life because you deserve it.

 

Always put in mind that you are capable of surviving this journey without a lover or partner beside you. Trust in the love and support that others are willing to give you. Let them offer their help so that you can save yourself from sinking to the rock bottom. You can still turn your life around. Believe in what you can do and accomplish.