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How to Cope With Anxiety During Pregnancy

Contributor
By Nicole Hoelscher
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Learn to relax and enjoy your growing baby.
Learn to relax and enjoy your growing baby.
Bianca de Blok

If you find that thoughts of your coming baby bring more fears and concerns than joy and happiness, you might be suffering from anxiety. While some questions and worries are normal, constant anxiety---especially when accompanied by panic attacks---is not. If you are struggling with anxiety, you can get relief. Sometimes all it takes is a few lifestyle changes to help you calm down. If this does not work, your doctor can prescribe treatment to help you relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Rest as much as possible. Anxiety is worse when you are overly tired. Learn to say no, get at least seven hours of sleep at night and delegate household chores to other family members.

  2. Step 2

    Surround yourself with support. Find other women in your community or in online forums with whom you can share your feelings, because simply having someone to talk to can alleviate a lot of anxiety.

  3. Step 3

    Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The right nutrition will give you the energy to face the stressors in your life.

  4. Step 4

    Avoid reading too many pregnancy resources. While pregnancy books and websites can be helpful as you learn about your growing baby, they can also increase your anxiety levels because they tell you everything that could possibly go wrong.

  5. Step 5

    Take anxiety medications of which your obstetrician approves, if non-medication options for controlling anxiety are not sufficient.

  6. Step 6

    Make an appointment with a therapist. These mental health professionals will give you techniques you can use to control your anxiety as your pregnancy progresses.

  7. Step 7

    Indulge in a prenatal massage. The increased circulation will help you relax as it reduces the number of stress hormones in your body.

Tips & Warnings
  • According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a type of medication commonly used to control anxiety) do not cause a higher rate of birth defects if taken by a pregnant women. However, some moms are uncomfortable taking anxiety medications while pregnant and can talk to their doctors for alternatives. Stress hormones do have an affect on your baby, so learning ways to relax help both of you.
  • If you were on anxiety medication before you got pregnant, do not discontinue it without first talking to your doctor. Most therapists and obstetricians recommend that those being treated for anxiety talk to their health care providers before becoming pregnant so they can create an adjusted treatment plan if necessary.
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