In every culture motherhood is considered as the highest achievement for a woman.
But with fast changing believes people are fast forgetting the pain a woman goes through the entire pregnancy cycle. This is creating more stress among women during the pregnancy that is also causing problems to the new born. During pregnancy any health related issue of a mother then becomes the problem for the child.
As per the world health organization about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder. The most cases are of depression. The developing countries have higher mental disorder rates of 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after child birth. Also, they show about 20% symptoms of clinical depression after child birth.
World Health Organization also states that the affected mothers cannot function properly. As a result, the children’s growth and development may be negatively affected as well.
The worst effect of depression is that it takes away mother’s attention from child’s need.
The situations for stress development leading to distorted mental conditions during pregnancy vary as per different social environment. It may even vary from home to home within a society.
Common Mental Problems Women Face During Pregnancy:
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety
- Self Centeredness
- Lack Of Clarity
- Hallucination like incidences
I did my own small survey with some friends and asked them to tick the most common mental health issues they encountered during their pregnancy. My first help was my mother; she has given birth to 8 children.
With this small survey I found that first pregnancy is the most stressing time for all the women. This is true irrespective whether they live in joint family or nuclear family. Most women are scared of the physical and mental changes they go through this period as it is totally new for them. But during the second period it is easier to handle the situation.
Some Of The Common Reasons Why Women Suffer From Mental Stress During Pregnancy:
- Lack Of Awareness- Pregnancy not only means a change in the social scenario but also results into many body and emotional changes in a woman’s life. Modern day women are not aware of situations that may arise which raise their anxiety.
- Fear Of Cesarean Delivery- The fear of complications during pregnancy already scares the women. Also, doctors at many places go for the easy option of cesarean delivery over the normal delivery. This is most common in the developing countries.
- Hormonal Changes- There is rise in the levels of estrogen and progesterone which causes many physical changes in the body of a woman. They help prepare the body for the baby and the later stages for the delivery. These changes also lead to subtle change in the moods of the pregnant lady.
- Physical Changes- A pregnant lady also goes through changes at the physical levels. The breast size increases, shortness of breath, leg cramps, pains throughout the body, frequent urination, weight gain, fluid retention, swollen hands and legs etc. Even the bones become thinner due to high need of calcium in the development of the baby too. Not everyone is able to understand these changes which cause increased stress.
- Family Environment- A pregnant woman suffers from constant mood swings. When the family environment is bad then it causes higher mental health issues. Among the nuclear family it is a common phenomenon that women feel loneliness and increased anxiety in the absence of their husbands.
- Jobs Environment- It is very common to see modern day women working. Any issue at the work front raises the mental stress which is amplified during pregnancy. Many companies are now trying to restore a better balance in their office environment.
Simple steps you can take to maintain positive attitude and mind frame during pregnancy:
- Being Mentally Ready- When you are mentally prepared to be mother. You are able to handle most of the anxiety easily. Sometimes people plan for a child under the pressure from family and other peers. In such cases they show more mental stress. Do not bow down to any pressure but sit together to plan your life.
- Rest- Working women often do not take rest which is required to help them energize. Resting improves the overall physical as well as the mental conditions. While you are resting you are also giving your body enough time to heal any ailments.
- Eating Healthy Food- What we eat also has impact on our mental state. Thus healthy eating improves our health and also mental wellbeing. Growing fetus requires various nutrients. Diet must contain potassium rich banana, legumes rich in protein, dairy products providing calcium and green vegetables. Eating raw fruits is a great habit.
- Reading Positive Books- Pregnant ladies should read motivational and positive stories. They should read positive poems which help them feel upbeat and stay positive. Even watching positive movies and images helps boost the mental state.
- Listening To Soothing Music- Music has a calming effect on our mind and soul. It also helps relieve from the stress. Listen to the soft and upbeat music which fills your mind with happiness.
- Sharing Your Problems- Oftenladies do not share their feelings and worries. This slowly builds up the mental stress causing depression and anxiety. Speaking to the elder women of the family, community or even friends can help ease the signs of mental stress. You will also get better perspective from the woman who has already gone through this stage.
- Meditation- Practicing mindfulness through meditation is a wonderful method to keep mind stress free. Develop a habit of meditation at least 15 minutes daily.
- Exercises- Mild yoga and some light exercise increase your body stamina. Also keeps you fit during the later stages of pregnancy. Consult an expert to help you do the exercise. A fit body means a happy mind too. You can also go for small walks into the gardens in the nature. Nature has a calming effect on the mind.
Role Of Husband And Family: Having a baby is never a woman’s only responsibility. It is a joint responsibility of husband and all other family members. The creation of a new life is a wonderful experience. And it requires full support from everyone.
The husband should also learn that his wife will go through some changes both physically and mentally. Also, her needs will change. This is very important in the families where only two people are there. Even in a bigger family a constant talking with the pregnant wife gives her much needed emotional support.
A pregnant woman needs support from husband to in-laws in terms of emotions and other work at home. One can share happy moments and images of babies to keep them happy. All these efforts even help the growing baby inside the mother.
A happy mother is a happy child and this is possible by the joint efforts of everyone from mother to the people around her.
While writing this article I came to know a lot of problems that a woman goes through to become a mother. A whole hearted respect to all the mothers in the world and I hope this article helps you keep positive mindset.
By Manoj Kumar Singh (Trustee & National President,Power In Me Foundation)