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Severe stress during pregnancy: consequences for the child. How stress affects pregnancy - danger and consequences Severe stress during pregnancy what to do

Stress, even in the normal state of a person, is a very serious test for any organism. What can we say about how hard it is tolerated during pregnancy. At this time, external factors (cold and heat, hunger and thirst, physical exercise etc.), as well as emotional, psychological (resentment, fatigue, fear of childbirth, death loved one, nervous tension, etc.). Any nervous stress during pregnancy is dangerous both for the health of the woman herself and for the condition of the child she is carrying.

It often happens that a pregnant woman does not even notice that she is under constant stress. She gets used to it so much that she takes all her fears and worries for granted. In the meantime, constant stress during pregnancy is doing its destructive work from the inside. Therefore, every expectant mother should be able to analyze her condition and pay attention to the main symptoms of stress:

  • apathy, indifference to everything, lethargy;
  • decrease in working capacity;
  • lack and loss of appetite;
  • periods of inexplicable anxiety, nervousness;
  • frequent heartbeat;
  • dizziness;
  • tremor of the limbs (their trembling);
  • lowered immunity - frequent colds.

If all this is the case, most likely, your condition is serious enough and requires prompt correction. Scientists have found that in the female body in a state of stress during pregnancy, the amount of special hormones, glucocorticoids, increases significantly. And they affect not only genes, but also have a close relationship with the work of the placenta. Accordingly, their consequences can be the most serious.

Why is stress dangerous during pregnancy?

There are women who talk about the strongest stresses they endured during pregnancy, which had absolutely no effect on the condition of their baby and childbirth. These are very controversial situations, since the consequences can manifest themselves much later - problems can begin in a child at school or transitional age, when serious changes in the psyche occur. Doctors have long explained how stress affects pregnancy and the future health of the baby. It can lead to the following consequences:

  • small ;
  • premature birth;
  • stress in late pregnancy provokes anomalies in the formation of the child's nervous system;
  • problems of adaptation in the team;
  • autism or hyperactivity;
  • fears and phobias;
  • stress in early pregnancy can lead to severe fetal hypoxia.
  • enuresis;
  • terrible birth anomalies - such as "cleft lip" or "cleft palate";
  • allergic and asthmatic reactions in the newborn;
  • the development of diabetes;
  • cardiovascular diseases;

As you can see, being strong is a very serious test for both the baby and the expectant mother. That is why it is so important to try to avoid it by all means. And this should be understood not only by the woman herself, but first of all by those who surround her during this period of life.

How to avoid stress during pregnancy?

To help a pregnant woman avoid the terrible consequences of a stressful state should be the doctor observing her, and her relatives and friends. After all, it is on the latter that her psycho-emotional state depends. Pregnancy is not a time for quarrels, tantrums, and even more so divorces. To avoid nervous tension, the expectant mother needs to know the methods that quickly and effectively restore peace of mind.

  1. Learn to control your thoughts: stop thinking about the bad, wait only for the negative. Tune in to the positive and think about a safe birth and your baby, whom you will soon be hugging. If you feel that you are not able to do this yourself, be sure to sign up for special trainings or go to a psychologist.
  2. Don't be alone with your fears. Find someone you can tell everything to. Do not leave negativity in yourself, get rid of it by any means.
  3. Walk more in the fresh air, do not forget to ventilate your room.
  4. Eat well, especially fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  5. Sleep as much as you want.
  6. Do physical education for pregnant women: special, swimming, even yoga.
  7. Communicate only with those people who are pleasant to you. Eliminate from your social circle those who often offend you or just annoy you.
  8. Get plenty of rest, especially in the first few months. While you are working, your lunch break is a must. Do not work in the evenings: before going to bed, you need to learn how to relax and get pleasant emotions from some favorite thing that gives you pleasure.
  9. There are many ways to relax: discover the world of aromatherapy, book a massage or acupuncture, meditate.

Every woman who is preparing to become a mother should be very clear about the dangers of stress during pregnancy and why it is so important to avoid it by any means. To protect your baby from negative consequences, you need to be able to concentrate on the main thing - on your position, and try to ignore annoying little things and failures.

The period of pregnancy has many physiological and psychological nuances. Doctors play it safe, prescribe a lot of tests to prevent any detrimental changes in the state of the mother and child, prescribe rest and advise to be careful. But, like any person, a woman in a position under the influence of various life circumstances can feel stress. There are many causes and manifestations of stress during pregnancy. What consequences does it threaten? How to deal with it? Do I need to see a doctor? Let's answer these questions.

Everyday and medical understanding of stress

People often describe their condition in medical terms. And in modern world, oversaturated with available information, this is sometimes done with complete confidence in the correspondence of the chosen word to the present state of affairs.

But you can't self-diagnose. In addition, juggling with concepts, we often put inaccurate meanings into them or even interpret them in our own way. Hence, there are differences in understanding between professionals who have relevant knowledge in this area and ordinary people.

Thus, stress in the common sense is a state of tension, usually negative.

From the point of view of medicine, stress is a non-specific reaction of the body or an adaptation syndrome that develops under the influence of various intense or new influences (strong physical exertion, psycho-emotional trauma).

There are several types of stress.

  • Eustress caused by positive emotions.
  • Distress. It occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to an adverse factor or a strong shock. The most detrimental type of stress, as the body is unable to cope with it on its own, which leads to severe physical and psychological consequences.
  • emotional stress. Psycho-emotional experience by people of various life situations, when the satisfaction of social and biological needs is limited for a long time.
  • Psychological stress. The state of extreme psychological stress and disorganization of behavior in society as a result of exposure to extreme factors.

From the classification it can be seen that the differences between the ordinary and medical understanding of stress lies in the following:

  • non-specialists often call stress the usual nervous excitement or emotional excitement, which are inherent emotional people prone to mood swings and outbursts;
  • on the other hand, most do not recognize the stress of positive emotions, believing that only negative experiences adversely affect a person. But if you're so excited about an unexpected gift that you can't help crying or crying, you're medically experiencing eustress;
  • people believe that stress is always caused by objective life circumstances. But it's not. After all different people relate differently to the same case. For some, buying a house is a lot of stress, while for others it is a welcome event, comparable to pleasant chores. Emotional reaction organism is born as a result of the analysis of their own thoughts and assessments.

Symptoms and signs

Stress has its own symptoms. Among the signs there are common, characteristic for all people, and there are additional, specific ones that appear in pregnant women. The complexity of diagnosis lies in the fact that sometimes signs of stress are taken for a normal, typical pregnancy condition.

Tearfulness is a sign of stress in pregnant women

All symptoms can be divided into two groups: physical and behavioral.

physical symptoms

  • weight loss (if it is not caused by toxicosis);
  • headaches as a result of a pressure drop, which is also a sign of stress;
  • stomach cramps, sometimes even vomiting. Unlike toxicosis, attacks are infrequent and more controlled;
  • insomnia. It differs from that which is often observed in women on recent months pregnancy and is associated with inconvenience when the stomach presses on the internal organs;
  • rash, redness, itching and severe peeling on the skin. As a rule, in such situations, the results of the analyzes do not show the presence of any abnormalities;
  • breathing difficulties. They are easier to identify in the early stages, since the child does not yet put pressure on the internal organs;
  • panic attacks accompanied by increased heart rate;
  • pressure surges;
  • muscle tone. A very dangerous symptom, especially in the last months of pregnancy, as there is a risk of premature birth;
  • the behavior of the baby in the tummy: he stops moving or, on the contrary, shows strong activity;
  • lack of appetite or, conversely, a strong craving for food. Often a pregnant woman gains a lot of weight, which also affects the birth process. Properly selected diet is very important;
  • frequent exacerbations of SARS. They are due to a weakened immune system.

behavioral signs

  • depression. It is very difficult to recognize and diagnose it. Here again there is a big confusion with concepts. Going to a psychologist, if you feel that you have reached a dead end, will not be superfluous. They will listen to you, help you find a way out of a difficult situation;
  • irritability. Slight irritability is inherent in all women in a position, but systematic explosions are not the norm, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are;
  • difficulty concentrating;
  • tearfulness. In general, the release of emotions is not bad. The nervous system is unloaded, the person becomes better. However, tears for no reason are an alarming sign;
  • emergence of suicidal thoughts. It can be observed after severe shocks. It is better, of course, to immediately consult a doctor at the first prerequisites for this;

It is important to be able to distinguish when a symptom is a real consequence of the stress experienced, and not just the action of progesterone. Analyze recent events in life and your state before and after a certain event. If you understand that a rash on your hands appeared after, for example, a quarrel with your husband, and the test results do not reveal any abnormalities, then this is most likely the body's reaction to the situation experienced.

The reasons

The causes of stress can be different. Here the main role is played by the so-called psychological threshold, up to which a woman considers the course of any case to be the norm. The psychological state at the moment is also important. After all, even the most bad news in high spirits is perceived more easily.

However, the specificity of stress in pregnant women is such that, in addition to psychological reasons(quarrels with her husband, jealousy of an older child, fears due to financial situation) there are also physiological ones. Here is a list of the most typical reasons for waiting for a baby:

  • fear of the upcoming birth. This is the most common of all fears. Due to the scarcity of knowledge in this area, as well as the stereotypes imposed, far from reality, this process seems to be the quintessence of pain and danger;
  • fear of pregnancy and fears in connection with its course. This is what the vast majority of women face. Even with a planned pregnancy, it takes time to get used to the new role of a mother, to plan further actions. But nature foresaw everything well and allocated 9 whole months for preparation;
  • physiological changes. The problem of figure and excess weight for a woman is always relevant. Fear of gaining extra pounds, losing attractiveness can unbalance even the most persistent. The rapid pace of change is also frightening. Remember that everything is reversible and temporary!
  • family and domestic problems. Nobody is safe from them. Of course, the appearance of a new family member will force you to make some adjustments to your usual lifestyle. This is especially true if the parents are expecting their first child. But it may also be that the cause of severe stress will be a minor domestic conflict;
  • problems at work. Unfortunately, up to 30 weeks, a pregnant woman is forced to work and, as a member of the team, participate in a complex system of internal relationships;
  • concern for the baby. In the first trimester, many are afraid of a miscarriage, in the second they worry that the baby is moving a little in the tummy, in the third - that they will be born early. These are normal manifestations of maternal instinct;
  • any unforeseen circumstances.

Possible consequences

Bad health of the mother is transmitted to the child

Pregnancy in women develops in stages. Each month of gestation is very important, as there is a gradual development internal organs and skills (the ability to squeeze fingers into a fist, open eyes). Any intervention in these processes threatens with serious consequences. The table shows the possible complications associated with each trimester of expectation.

Effects of stress in early and late pregnancy (by trimester)

Period Private Consequences General Consequences
1 trimester
  1. Miscarriage.
  2. The development of schizophrenia in a child.
  3. Weakened immunity. Frequent SARS.
  4. The appearance of such anomalies as a result of improper development of the embryo at 8-9 weeks, such as "cleft lip" and "cleft palate".
  1. Intrauterine fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen). It can cause both developmental disabilities and suffocation (asphyxia).
  2. Violation of the uteroplacental blood flow. Consequences: hypertension, the threat of miscarriage, a severe form of preeclampsia (in the mother), immediate delivery by caesarean section (2-3 degrees).
  3. intrauterine developmental delay.
  4. Increased toxicosis, which can lead to early discharge of water or leakage.
2 trimester
  1. The development of congenital autism. Also, children can get used to society worse, not want to communicate with their peers.
  2. An increase in blood sugar, as a result of which the appearance of diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage is possible; the birth of a large child (more than 4 kg).
3rd trimester
  1. The normal cycle of pregnancy is interrupted. Early labor is often provoked (up to 36 weeks), but it is also possible to carry it out (42 or more weeks).
  2. Prolonged difficult labor, which can lead to emergency delivery by caesarean section.
  3. There is a risk of anomalies in the development of the nervous system of the baby.
  4. There may be a delay in psycho-emotional development: the child will start talking later than his peers, it will be difficult for him to concentrate.
  5. There are frequent cases of entanglement of the umbilical cord of the baby.

Can Stress Cause a Missed Pregnancy?

There is no reliable evidence that even severe stress is the cause of missed pregnancy. In general, this relationship is poorly understood. Among the main prerequisites for miscarriage, doctors distinguish genetic or gynecological diseases in the mother, autoimmune disorders. However, some scientists tend to believe that indirectly stress still provokes an unfavorable outcome of pregnancy.

For example, the famous British obstetrician Grantley Dick-Read, who changed the negative opinion of most fellow citizens about natural childbirth in the middle of the 20th century, wrote:

I believe there is something in the mother's blood that changes according to her mood. When the psychological and emotional state of the mother changes, the endocrine glands produce substances that enter the blood, which nourishes not only the mother, but also the child. Thus, the state of the child cannot remain the same. Today we know that when the emotional state of the mother changes, it is possible to register an increase or decrease in the fetal heartbeat, that is, it can be definitely stated that the development of the child also depends on the mood of the mother during pregnancy.

Ways to overcome

There is an opinion that the most effective way to deal with the effect of stress caused by negative factors is with the help of rest or maximum relaxation, that is, you need to distract yourself from the problem. Yuri Burlan, creator modern technique study of the unconscious person, believes that this is not entirely true. In his opinion, this approach is not universal, and a person who has a strong psychological stress or diagnosed with depression, you can not do without professional psychological and medical assistance.

Solving problems and dealing with strong fears

  • It is important to identify the specific cause of stress and try to cope with it.. The very solution of the problem in this case will bring satisfaction.
  • If stress is generated by fears, then it is urgent to fill in the information gaps due to which fears arose. After all, the unknown is what scares me the most. Now there are many courses and trainings for pregnant women, where they simply and in detail explain what happens in the body during the process of gestation and childbirth. They will give advice on how to alleviate the condition. The waiting period for a child is natural for a woman, so it should not bring much discomfort.
  • If there is chaos in your head and you lack certainty, then turning to special psychological techniques and spiritual practices. Understand yourself, find a foothold, sort out all the past and expected events “on the shelves”.

Proper nutrition

Firstly, a woman's mood can directly depend on the discomfort caused by toxicosis or heartburn. Both of these symptoms can be alleviated by adjusting your diet. Secondly, the widespread belief that during pregnancy you can afford everything you want is wrong. In addition, there is no reliable evidence of a connection between the desire for a certain product and the actual lack in the body of the microelement or substance contained in it. And to maintain the vital activity of a growing baby, it is necessary to eat an average of only 300-500 kcal per day more than the usual norm.

Diet calories by week of pregnancy

Until 15 weeks, you do not need to change your usual diet at all. From weeks 15 to 28, doctors recommend increasing food calories to 25-30 kcal per kilogram of body weight, and from weeks 28 to 30 - up to 35 kcal per 1 kg of body weight. Moreover, the nutritional value of food should not be regulated with the help of sweet or starchy foods.

Healthy lifestyle and positive attitude

  • Yoga or light exercise. It is known that during exercise, the body produces a hormone that improves mood..
  • Regular outdoor walks.
  • Elimination of stress factors. No need to complicate things. If loud music bothers you, just turn it off.
  • Communicate as much as possible with people who are sincerely disposed towards you, with those with whom it is easy and pleasant.

Help medicine

Abroad, there has long been a practice of turning to private psychoanalysts to help “work through” complex problems. life situations so that there is no understatement, especially in front of you. Russian people, due to their mentality, often perceive this as an excess, which, moreover, not everyone can afford. However, we also have all sorts of free hotlines. psychological help. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you really need it!

As a rule, doctors prescribe to pregnant women the use of herbal sedatives: tincture of valerian or motherwort, Persen, Novo-Passit. More serious drug treatment is used only in particularly difficult situations. Antidepressants are resorted to only when the harm from stress to the health of the mother is more devastating than the possible consequences for the unborn child.

Gallery "How to deal with stress"

Serious effects of stress are successfully treated with special drugs. Tell your doctor about your condition The less unresolved everyday problems, the less stress. Solve them together, do not take everything upon yourself Proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle life is a pledge Have a good mood Yoga can help you find peace and self-confidence. You can get all the necessary knowledge at free courses for pregnant women, which are available in every antenatal clinic.

Stress prevention

Quite ordinary life circumstances can become stressful for a pregnant woman. And if it is not always possible to ignore them, then you should at least try to reduce the possible damage.

  • Take a look at your surroundings. Perhaps there are people in it that it is better to refrain from communicating with, at least for a while.
  • Write down in a column those things that spoil your mood the most. In the other column, instead, write down your ideas on how you can reduce the impact, and then try to follow this plan.
  • Evaluate situations and people's actions calmly and rationally. A pregnant woman does not lose the ability to think and does not become incapacitated. Hormones play an important role, but the mind is not turned off.
  • Control your emotions. Do not exaggerate and do not "wind" too much.

Remember! For a whole 9 months, not only your own life, but also the fate of another person depends on your decisions.

Video "Stress during pregnancy"

Most people understand that a woman is very vulnerable during childbearing. In a civilized society, there are certain traditions, for example, giving way to pregnant women in transport or letting them out of the queue. Nevertheless, stress factors are diverse and unavoidable. To overcome stress, a woman first of all herself must prioritize and soberly assess any critical situation.

Absolutely normal. The hormonal, physical and emotional changes that take place in the body during childbearing can, of course, cause some anxiety even in the most balanced woman.

However, scientists have shown that high levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth or having a low birth weight baby, so it's worth trying to get it under control.

Ways to deal with stress during pregnancy

  1. Healthy food. Stress during pregnancy can often be the result of a poor diet. A healthy diet that includes plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, on the contrary, can lift your spirits. For example, the amino acid tryptophan, found in many foods, including nuts and grains, can increase melatonin and serotonin levels, which are responsible for sound sleep and feelings of well-being.
  2. Talk about your feelings. The influx of hormones often makes women feel like they have no control over their bodies and mood changes. If you try to cope with these thoughts alone, then they may well become a cause of stress during pregnancy. It is worth talking about your feelings with a partner, loved ones or other pregnant women.
  3. Find time to rest. A woman in a position, trying to maintain the usual rhythm of life, often experiences stress from this. Also, a stressor can be a feeling of guilt from the fact that a pregnant woman is resting more often than she is used to. It is worth remembering that rest is necessary for the health of the unborn child. At work, you can and should find a place where you can relax during breaks, at home you can reduce the list of daily duties. If a woman feels tired, she should go to bed, no matter what time it is on the clock.
  4. Find time for fun. Laughter is one of the best ways to relax. Meet upbeat friends, watch comedies, go to funny shows, read funny books. Even simple funny pictures can help you deal with stress during pregnancy.
  5. Pamper yourself. Pregnancy is a great time to be especially attentive to yourself and not only from a medical point of view. Women can deal with stress during pregnancy in the usual ways - visiting spas, getting manicures and pedicures, buying nice little things.
  6. Change attitude. Having a baby is an amazing experience. Do not let negative thoughts spoil the joy, pleasure and anticipation of happiness from the birth of a baby. There are many techniques that tune a person to positive thinking. If the pregnant woman is unfamiliar with them, then it's time to learn more about them.
  7. Meditation and deep breathing. Meditation and deep breathing will help beat stress during pregnancy. You need to find a quiet place, turn on calm music and visualize peaceful scenes about the wonderful future that awaits mother and child. In this case, you should inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth to lower your heart rate and force the brain to produce calming hormones.
  8. Massage. Massage has proven itself as a means to improve blood circulation, relieve tension and achieve inner peace. However, during pregnancy, massage in the abdomen and around the ankles should be avoided so as not to provoke premature birth.
  9. Planning. Pre-preparation helps to cope with stress during pregnancy. Attending special classes, reading books, communicating with accomplished mothers, making lists is beneficial for many women, but you should not tune in to the fact that everything will go strictly according to plan. During any successful pregnancy, there are unpredictable periods - this should be remembered.
  10. Physical exercise. Many women stop any physical activity while carrying a child. Unless prescribed by a doctor, do not stop exercising. There are many sets of exercises for pregnant women, they are also recommended special yoga and classes in the pool.

“Well, everything: now you are pregnant and you can’t be nervous. Stress during pregnancy can harm the baby, you have to control yourself and radiate positivity around the clock. These truths are so hard hammered into the head of a pregnant woman that she falls into a vicious circle of constant tension. After all, an attempt to tightly control emotions in order to prevent negative experiences in itself keeps the nervous system on edge.

Doctors agree that short-term, mild stress can affect pregnancy even in a positive way for both mother and baby. He progressively prepares them for the passage of a responsible period of their lives - childbirth.

Nature protects woman

On the one hand, pregnancy itself is already a strong stress for the body and psyche. On the other hand, this is the natural physiological state of a woman, and nature has provided for everything. The lady "in position" is in a special psychological state of focus on her inner world and on the unborn child. It reaches its peak during childbirth and then continues throughout the period of breastfeeding. All these processes occur under the influence of changes occurring in its nervous and endocrine systems regulating pregnancy. Physiological changes contribute to the creation and strengthening of a close symbiotic bond between mother and child and significantly alleviate the stress of pregnancy. This connection, in turn, helps to shift the focus of the woman's attention to the unborn child. In other words, everything that worried and bothered before, everything that could upset or frighten her, now affects her with much less force.

But of course, this does not mean that the expectant mother does not experience at all. Fears, anxieties, worries, stress are the eternal companions of absolutely any pregnant woman. In addition, women in position, as a rule, continue to work and lead a socially active lifestyle, which means that stalemate situations cannot be avoided.

What are we afraid of during pregnancy?

Changes taking place in the body.

The belly grows, the weight comes, toxicosis interferes with life, the hormonal background changes. It's scary to turn into a "hippopotamus", to stop being attractive. Worries about whether the former form will return after childbirth.

All in your hands. Good nutrition, fresh air and moderate exercise can not only significantly reduce stress during pregnancy, but also keep the body in good shape, avoiding unpleasant consequences.

How will it go, how much it hurts, will I survive. This question is constantly spinning in my head and also leads to stress for a pregnant woman. The closer the cherished date, the worse.

In fact, it is not in vain that pregnancy lasts as much as 9 months. During this time, a psychological restructuring takes place. The woman is preparing for childbirth. In the later stages, when the stomach is already large and noticeably interferes, even dreams about them. Imagine this day in detail, positively. Exactly the way you would like to spend it. You see, in many ways it will. Special courses for preparing for childbirth reduce stress very well.

Anxiety about the condition of the baby.

A pregnant woman listens sensitively to her condition from day to day, every hour and minute.

Visit your doctor in a timely manner and do not wind yourself up. Frequent trips to the clinic and tests are not an annoying hindrance, but professional supervision and your peace of mind.

Family tension.

The reaction of the spouse is not always the one expected in romantic films. For the future dad, the news of paternity can be just as stressful. And dreams of how he will carry on his hands and blow off dust particles can crumble. In addition, a lot of advisers always appear around a pregnant woman who begin to dictate before free personality what to do and how to live in principle.

Don't wind yourself up. You can safely do without flowers and pineapples at 3 am. Give your partner time to get used to the new quality. Focus on the positive aspects of your new state. As the baby begins to push, how pleasant it is to carry new life. Gently but clearly indicate your boundaries to advisers.

How does constant stress affect pregnancy?

No matter how much we are told that pregnant women should not worry, we still forget about it. However, let's take care of our health and the baby, because there are examples of negative consequences:

  • Miscarriage and premature birth.
  • Oxygen starvation of the child. Stress during pregnancy triggers the release of the hormone cortisone into the bloodstream. It raises blood sugar levels and results in less oxygen reaching the tissues. Consequences - deviations in the development of the child. May get hurt nervous system baby, in the future there will be anxiety, fears, autism, poor adaptability in the team, a tendency to depression, hyperactivity. And this is not the whole list...
  • Neurosis in a pregnant woman
  • Decreased immunity
  • Heart diseases

Always remember: you always have how to react to this or that event. Someone will throw a tantrum over a spilled cup of coffee, while others will be serious. family trials will not be a reason to give up. The harm of stress during pregnancy lies not in the negative events themselves, but in your reaction to them. Good news The fact is that you can learn to choose this reaction yourself!

Where to put your nerves?

Reading about the effects of stress on pregnancy is scary. But we are all human beings. And in 9 months, anything can happen to us. How to deal with stress? Where to put your nerves? Anna Matulyak, head of the Family Counseling Center, family and reproductive psychologist, author and host of the art therapy project for expectant mothers “Waiting for a Miracle,” shared exclusive advice for healthy people.

  1. Don't be afraid of emotions. Many expectant mothers exaggerate the impact of negative experiences and try to avoid them in every possible way. For example, a woman needs to lie down for preservation, she is frightened and upset, but in every possible way she tries to drive these thoughts away from herself and forcibly switch herself to the positive. You can't do that. The tension that is created as a result is much more harmful. It is important to accept and acknowledge real feelings: “Yes, I am worried and worried. I'm worried about the child. I am doing my best and entrusting myself to the good hands of the doctors and I will hope that everything will be fine.” If you want to cry, cry. If you allow yourself to experience emotions, they will go away. If you forbid yourself, they will remain with you - in your unconscious, in your body, and this, of course, will affect the state of the child.
  2. Look for sources of positive emotions and support. Be sure to identify for yourself what or who can be a resource for you. Let others help you deal with stress. Walking with a friend, chatting on the forum with the same pregnant women, going to the movies, trips and entertainment. Do not deny yourself pleasure.

  3. Perform special. It's no secret that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. During physical exertion, endorphins are released - the hormones of happiness, they are what we need for a pregnant woman in order to “calm the nerves”. Be sure to consult with your doctor - what kind of physical activity will be useful for you and not contraindicated. You can dance or just walk in the fresh air with pleasant music. There can be many options, the main thing is not to sit idly by.
  4. Try meditation and visualization. No special knowledge or skills are required. Even children know how to dream and imagine pleasant things. Choose the right time and place (so that you won't be disturbed), close your eyes, and imagine anything that can evoke pleasant images, emotions, and sensations in your body. If you love the sea, you can imagine yourself on the beach, enjoying life on the warm sand to the sound of the sea or swimming in warm water. It is not so important whether you remember past experiences or dream and fantasize about the future. The main thing is that it causes positive emotions and pleasant sensations in the body that will make you completely forget about what this stress is.
  5. Connect Aromatherapy. It is easy to combine, for example, with relaxation and visualization. Fill a well-ventilated room with your favorite scents that make you feel good. You can mix aromas and add several oils to the aroma lamp at once.

  6. Get creative. Many immediately reject this option, citing the fact that “I don’t creative person". In fact, it is one of the most effective ways cope with the stress of pregnancy. You do not need to have superpowers to knead a piece of plasticine in your hands or make a circle or square out of it. But the process itself will already bring quite a few benefits - the massage of the fingers and palms, which takes place during the modeling process, relieves stress well. You can mold or draw a "problem" or "cause of stress" and then get rid of it, thereby helping yourself to get rid of negative emotions. Draw with your hands, with your toes, no matter what, the process itself is important. If the result is critical for you, think about such types of creativity as knitting, embroidery, scrapbooking - the concentration necessary for these activities balances the nervous system.
  7. Contact the experts. If you understand that you can’t cope on your own or the level of emotions is too high, seek help from specialists.

What to do if you are at the epicenter of stress?

  • Focus on your breathing. Think about making it even.
  • Lightly touch the tummy and mentally or hear talk with the baby, imagine him
  • Find someone you can get support from. Sometimes just speaking up is enough.

Yes, strong prolonged stress during pregnancy certainly negatively affects both the health of the pregnant woman and the baby. But it is important to understand that in our life it is impossible to avoid experiences. You shouldn't hold them back. Cry if you cry. But at the same time, pregnancy is the time to learn to accept yourself, fill your life with pleasant moments, increase stress resistance and not be afraid to seek support from loved ones.

The materials on the website are for informational purposes only and are intended for educational purposes. The information should not be used as medical advice. Diagnoses and prescribes treatment only your doctor. The editors of the site are not responsible for possible negative consequences resulting from the use of information posted on the site site.

Journalist. Two higher education- journalist and psychologist. Member of the Belarusian Union of Journalists. Laureate of the Belarusian Union of Journalists. Experience in the profession - 15 years. Work experience in the medical field - 12 years. Belorussian State University- 2002-2007 Specialty - print media. Belarusian State Pedagogical University M. Tanka - 2017-2019 - Diploma with honors. Specialty - psychologist. Jobs: Editorial office of the newspaper "Polesskaya Pravda" (Pinsk), correspondent; Since 2007 - editorial office of the newspaper "Medical Bulletin" (Minsk). Correspondent, curator of Minsk; Since 2017 - correspondent of the information portal " Healthy people”, Correspondent of the newspaper “Medical Bulletin”. I am one of the compilers of the book "History of Health of the Republic of Belarus" (Minsk, 2009). I prepare both printed materials and video content. Since 2018, the organizer and author of the idea of ​​​​contests for the site are "Scorching Doctor", "The Best Day", as well as "Stylish Season" on TeenAge.by. In 2019 - the winner of the "Golden Pen" award of the Belarusian Union of Journalists.

A storm of emotions lies in a woman during pregnancy, it is very, very difficult to figure out what she finally wants. She may get angry, cry after a few minutes, and then smile. How can a pregnant woman learn to remain calm again?

The reason for the storm of emotions in pregnant women.

The mood of pregnant women is changeable, while various little things can irritate them. It should be noted that the woman did not even pay attention to these trifles before. The reason for this behavior is the development a large number female hormones necessary for the normal bearing of a child. Gonadotropin should be attributed to the main hormones of pregnancy: in the early stages of pregnancy, a high level of the hormone, the maximum concentration at 7-10 weeks of pregnancy, an increased concentration causes nausea, and this causes increased irritability; progesterone: a hormone that affects the process of bearing a child, the level of the hormone is high, it is the cause of a woman's rapid fatigue; Estriol: A natural antioxidant produced throughout pregnancy.

The most changed hormonal background affects the emotional state of a pregnant woman in the first trimester. Special attention you should give yourself when:

· you were predisposed to mood swings before pregnancy;

· you lost a baby during a previous pregnancy. During a new pregnancy, a woman will listen to her body and look for signs of danger, and this increases irritability and serves as a reason to lose her temper. Please note that negative emotions can provoke a threat of abortion, we get a vicious circle.

· pregnancy came under the persuasion of her husband or relatives, then you may not understand why you are pregnant, as a result, the pregnant woman begins to take out her anger at her loved ones, who forced her to decide to have a baby.

· you are used to commanding to be obeyed, you are used to keeping everything and everyone in submission, but closer to childbirth, your performance decreases, often those around you start to help you out of good intentions, but such care seems to a strong woman as a signal - I have become weak, and this is the basis of nervous stress .

How nervous breakdowns affect pregnancy.

Hormones change throughout pregnancy, so there will be mood swings throughout pregnancy. However, it is worth remembering that severe stress can provoke the risk of a threatened abortion (uterine hypertonicity), cause problems with sleep, appetite, exacerbation of chronic diseases, skin problems, ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract.

You can determine that you are having a nervous breakdown if:

· fatigue sets in, common mistakes in work;

· cannot concentrate;

· suffering from insomnia, nightmares;

· tormented by irresistible anxiety;

· there is an increased heartbeat, pain in the neck, headache, pain in the neck, back.

You have a nervous breakdown - what to do?

It is difficult to cope with emotions on your own, you should seek help from a specialist. First, inform the gynecologist about your nerves and he will prescribe you: valerian, motherwort infusion, Glycine, Person, Magne B6. Only a specialist will prescribe the necessary dosage for you, tell you how long you should take them. If the measures taken are not enough, the doctor will refer you to a psychologist, psychotherapist.

How to cope with nervous stress during pregnancy.

1. Throw out emotions - anger, anger overtook you at work, you can go to the toilet and wash yourself with cold water, open the tap to the full and hit the jet of water with the edge of your palm;

2. Train yourself to relax

3. Sleep is the best medicine. If you have a lack of sleep, then this is a direct path to stress. You need to try to sleep for 8 hours a day, and if possible, you can take a nap for a couple of hours during the day. Give yourself a SIESTA!

4. Talk about problems. You were rude at work, pushed in public transport, etc. It is worth saying the situation, if there is a problem, then it will be easier for you to understand the reason and solve it.

5. Seek support from your husband. Do not take out your anger on your husband, this will only aggravate the situation. It is worth explaining to him that you are having a difficult period and you need help. Ask him to help you, even pull his mustache or beard (if it makes you feel better). Believe me, your husband, just like you, wants you to be calm and cheerful.