However, one thing that is often missed is the emotional support a mother needs. It’s not that the families do not provide support, but it is more due to a lack of awareness of the emotional problems that the soon-to-be mother may be going through. The situation may not be true for everyone, but it is better to be aware of every problem to tackle it in a much better way. Thus, the need for emotional support for pregnant women becomes all the more relevant.
So we will discuss all the problems that women face during pregnancy and will also share the ways to face those problems and when you would need to consult a professional.
What Problems Do Women Face During Pregnancy?
A female goes through various changes before, during, and after the pregnancy. These changes happen so fast that it becomes difficult to keep up with them, and that is why it is important to understand the changes beforehand to tackle them more effectively.
Some common changes that women go through in the different phases of pregnancy are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder (rare)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive order (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Panic attacks
There is a 10% chance in females and a 5% chance in males of experiencing antenatal** depression. Another common condition is antenatal anxiety, and some may even experience both conditions at the same time.
**The term implies a relation to time during the birth or pregnancy.
Also, women are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, or any other symptom during the period of pregnancy, if
- They already had problems with mental health
- There is a feeling of not having enough support causing them to panic very quickly
- A female is having a hard time in her relationship with her partner
- There were instances of any sort of abuse in the past
- Problems with alcohol or drugs also increase the likelihood
Neglecting the concerns of a pregnant female can lead to serious mental health issues. Tending to these issues with proper care will certainly prevent the need for medical care unless absolutely necessary.
Why Is Emotional Support Necessary During Pregnancy?
We all know that it is not just the body that goes through changes. The psychology of a pregnant woman also changes at every stage. The changes are very drastic for every three-month period (trimester).
In the early stages of pregnancy, the emotional changes can be positive as well as negative. They are even overwhelming at times and occur more often in the later stages. The discomfort is at its peak in the last three months of pregnancy which leads to more irritation and a surge of negative emotions. These feelings remain even after the transition to motherhood, which is usually a delicate time.
Since the transition is huge, it occasionally leads to doubts related to self-identity. To prevent any such events from happening, there is a need for emotional support. Proper support is also beneficial in improving the health of the newborn and not just the mother.
How To Manage Mental Well-Being During Pregnancy?
There are plenty of ways to provide emotional support to women before, during as well as after the birth. These methods will not completely eradicate the problem, but they will certainly provide relief and tackle the situation better.
Try the following ways to maintain mental well-being during pregnancy.
- During pregnancy, do not have too many expectations from yourself and remain as realistic as possible.
- Spending more time with the people who love you and make you feel at ease will also be very helpful.
- Avoid any major changes in your life or lifestyle.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- It will always be a bad idea to consume alcohol or drugs in that state.
- Start eating healthy meals more frequently.
- Do not stop your physical activities completely; little bits of walking would really be helpful.
All of these methods are important, but one major factor that is the most helpful at the time of pregnancy is the support from a partner. We’d say that it is very important for a partner to be supportive in these tough times.
Also Read: Why do I need childcare consultants, and What do they do?
How Can A Partner Provide Support?
The involvement of a pregnant woman’s partner is just as essential as any other emotional support. In fact, it may even be more important than any, as the process does not happen with just one person. A partner’s presence can also make the pregnant woman feel more at ease.
There are various studies that show that a supportive partner can make a significant impact on reducing anxiety and depression. It can also improve the overall health of the new child. We have been talking about a partner’s support, but how exactly can one be a supportive partner? Do not worry; we will provide the answer to the question so that you won’t have to look elsewhere.
Become More Aware
Understanding the condition first is the first step towards its resolution. That is why it is very important to be aware of the condition of your partner during pregnancy. Start by learning about the various changes that your partner is going through. You can also learn about the diet patterns to follow and take part in emotional support sessions.
Be More Involved
There are many ways to be more involved in the process of childbirth than just giving birth.
- You can try to be more available for your partner by being present.
- Take part in the decision-making related to the tests, choosing a healthcare provider, and any other minor or major decisions.
- Communication is very important; Be more expressive about your feelings and show her your care.
- Make your partner feel more at ease so that she can share every concern with you.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking the right questions to your partner will show your concern. You will also be able to understand the needs of your partner, which will only deepen your relationship.
When To Seek Professional Help?
The mental condition during pregnancy can be very overwhelming at times. Lack of emotional support is a possible reason, but there may be times when even enough emotional support is not enough to help. There can be many reasons for that, but the main point is that it is concerning. These are the times when it would be great to seek professional help. The following are some of the situations where you can seek help from an expert.
- Feeling down for a long time, constantly
- You are not able to think properly due to the stream of negative thoughts
- It becomes difficult to handle depression, and you feel hopeless
- Most of your time is being spent in anxiety and worry
Emotional Support Sessions – Alnicor Consultancy
The challenging times of pregnancy can be difficult to deal with even with enough support, and that is when the need for professional support starts. Guidance from a professional can also help the couple that is confused about how to deal with this experience.
With Alnicor Consultancy, you can get emotional support sessions from a healthcare expert at nominal prices. Our emotional support consultant is very experienced in dealing with parents and understands the problems that a mother can go through. You can visit our website and book a session with our expert consultant. Contact us at +1 833-211-1777 or info@alnicorconsulting.com using the following details for any query you may have.