Mental Health
Perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is Perinatal OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)? When a woman suffers from OCD during pregnancy, psychiatrists call this perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (perinatal OCD.) Some women may suffer from OCD before pregnancy; however, pregnancy or birth can trigger OCD for others. A first-time mother may feel having a baby is a massive responsibility. So it’s completely normal to worry about your child’s well-being. However, it’s essential to avoid letting these thoughts interfere with your everyday life. Otherwise, you may experience further mental health issues, especially in the postpartum period. Common Symptoms of Perinatal OCD Asking for reassurance from others—including friends and family—about your child Feeling constantly anxious about your child’s health Worrying about harming the baby Struggling to relax when the baby is sleeping Constantly checking whether the house is safe for your baby Worrying about feeding your child specific foods Not taking your child outside because you worry about your child’s safety in public. How Does it Feel to Have OCD? If you suffer from OCD, you’ll typically experience frequent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Instead of focusing on positive things—such as family, friends, and health—people with OCD spend their time thinking about compulsions. Although most of them know their compulsions are illogical, this doesn’t convince them to switch off. However, many people suffering from OCD will seek professional help because they know their compulsions are detrimental. Anxiety Perinatal OCD may cause severe anxiety, which may include panic attacks. Increased anxiety is highly damaging to your physical and mental health; you may experience chest pain, heart palpitations, and a rapid heart rate. Anxiety can also cause digestive issues, social isolation, poor quality of life, headaches, chronic pain, sleep issues, and continuous fatigue. Unfortunately, pregnancy is already taxing on the body and mind; if your perinatal OCD causes increased anxiety, you may drive your body into the ground. That’s why it's essential to seek professional help if your perinatal OCD is spiralling. Obsessions One of the main byproducts of perinatal OCD is obsessive thoughts. Mothers suffering from perinatal OCD often suffer from the following obsessive thoughts: 1. A Fear That Something Is Contaminated by Dirt or Germs: Sure, it’s important to keep your body away from anything that could cause sickness during pregnancy. However, you shouldn’t let this consume your life. You should take standard precautions and avoid anything that could make you or the child feel sick. 2. An Image of Harming Your Baby Some women suffering from perennial OCD worry they will harm their baby because of negative thoughts—including violent thoughts. However, although these are common symptoms of perennial OCD—pregnant women rarely act upon these thoughts. 3. Perfectionism A common symptom of OCD is perfectionism. Pregnancy, however, may worsen the desire for perfectionism. Although striving for perfection isn’t always a negative thing, ensure it doesn’t consume your life and cause other mental illnesses. 4. Worrying About Things You Did or Didn’t Do Women suffering from perennial OCD may constantly worry about leaving windows open, not sterilising their baby’s bottle, or not choosing the best clothing for their child. Of course, it’s essential to do the best for your baby, but you shouldn't let these thoughts consume your entire life. Compulsions A compulsion is where an individual has repeated compulsive behaviours—even when these behaviours are senseless and cause harm to mental well-being. Unfortunately, compulsions are common in pregnant women and women with newborn children. These compulsions can include images of death, injury, and physical or sexual harm. How to Recognise OCD? There’s a small line between protecting the child and suffering from perinatal OCD; you must decide when you’ve crossed the line. If you feel your thoughts match common perinatal OCD symptoms, it’s essential to acknowledge the problem. Giving birth to a child or raising a child is challenging enough without suffering from perinatal OCD. As a mother, you need to look after yourself; it’s better for your unborn or newborn child if you’re mentally healthy and happy. Perinatal OCD, however, has the potential to make you incredibly unhappy. So you must recognise the symptoms and be honest with yourself. Where to Get Help? Perinatal OCD is highly common; therefore, you can find help in many ways. The best way to find help is to contact your GP. They will assess your symptoms and discuss whether you need different treatment options. However, finding private help from therapists is an option. Although therapists can be expensive, they can assist you without waiting lists. Most importantly, they have years of experience in helping mothers like you overcome perinatal OCD. Common treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Other Mental Health Problems Connected to Pregnancy Unfortunately, perinatal OCD isn’t the only mental health problem connected to pregnancy. Depression and anxiety—which are different from perinatal OCD—are the most common mental health problems during pregnancy. In the United Kingdom, depression and anxiety affect 15 to 20% of women in the first year after childbirth. In addition, panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tokophobia (extreme fear of childbirth) are common mental health problems related to pregnancy. It’s critical to reach out to friends, family, and medical professionals if you think you’re suffering from these mental health problems. As a mother, you deserve to feel happy during and after pregnancy. Final Thoughts Perinatal OCD affects millions of women worldwide. Remember, you’re not alone; you can get through this. At Cradle & Tonic, we are industry leaders in maternity health and wellbeing. We have products to help you through the struggle of pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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Anorexia and Bullimia
Pregnancy and Eating Disorders Eating disorders and pregnancy go hand-in-hand. For many women, pregnancy causes the most significant changes in their bodies since puberty; as a result, it can cause severe body image and mental health issues. Many eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)—occur during young adulthood or adolescence. However, these illnesses often linger well into your adult years. For example, seven out of 1000 women of reproductive age in the United Kingdom have an eating disorder. A questionnaire of 454 pregnant women reported an 11.5% prevalence of some eating disorders. Furthermore, research suggests that 1.25 million people in the United Kingdom have an eating disorder—with 75% being female. If you believe you have an eating disorder before or during pregnancy, it’s important to tell your GP or midwife. Eating Disorders - Effect on Fertility Many women worry about infertility; it’s a nightmare for millions of families worldwide. That said, infertility issues are a common side-effect of an eating disorder, such as anorexia, binge eating, bulimia, etc. In some cases, infertility affects a woman's endocrine system, which is responsible for creating reproductive and growth hormones. In turn, this may disrupt ovulation, cause an irregular menstrual cycle, and disrupt eggs. Furthermore, it may lead to ovarian failure; this condition mimics the female menopause in women under 40. These factors may increase your chance of a miscarriage and decrease your chances of contraception. So it’s critical to overcome your eating disorder as soon as possible. Pregnancy - Effect on Eating Disorders If you’re suffering from an eating disorder before pregnancy, your symptoms may increase once you become pregnant. On the contrary, you may experience an eating disorder for the first time because of the unprecedented body changes—such as weight gain and body shape changes—during your first pregnancy. If you have an eating disorder, you’re more likely to suffer from postnatal depression—an illness that affects millions of women. However, research suggests women with a history of eating disorders, even if it was many years ago, may relapse during the first 6 months postpartum. Remember, you’re not alone; millions of mothers suffer from an eating disorder during pregnancy. Although pregnancy may complicate your eating disorder, reach out to a GP before your pregnancy increases your eating disorder—especially if you’ve always struggled with eating disorders. Anorexia in Pregnancy In the past 20 years, the media has coined anorexia during pregnancy as pregorexia; it’s a prevalent condition affecting millions of women. Symptoms of pregorexia include: Chronic fatigue Gaining little to no weight Constantly worrying about your weight Eating alone Making yourself sick Exercising too much Understandably, gaining weight during pregnancy can feel terrifying. However, weight gain is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. According to the ACOG, the average recommended weight gain during pregnancy is between 11 and 40 pounds. Anything less may signal an eating disorder. Signs and Symptoms If you’re worried you may have an eating disorder during pregnancy, there are various signs and symptoms: You're eating little food. Spending a considerable period worrying about your body shape and weight. Not socialising because you believe your friends will involve food. Working out too much. Taxing laxatives after you eat and deliberately making yourself sick. Experiencing rapid changes in your mood, including anxious and depressed feelings. You may also experience physical signs: Feeling your heart racing, feeling faint, and even fainting Digestion problems, such as constipation, bloating, and diarrhoea Not getting your period on time Feeling dizzy, cold, and too tired Pains and tingling in your legs and arms Although these symptoms may be completely unrelated to an eating disorder—and could be something more benign or serious—you should speak with a GP to assess your symptoms. If they believe you have an eating disorder, they can recommend a plan of action to return to a normal diet. Effect on Pregnancy Unfortunately, an eating disorder causes issues for the mother and the unborn baby. Women who don't consume enough food won’t provide enough nutrients for their unborn children. Pregnant women with an eating disorder may also experience a higher incidence of stillbirths, low infant birth weights, breech babies, congenital malformation, and first-trimester miscarriage. In addition, their babies’ APGAR scores—which measure the baby's heart rate straight after birth—are lower than the scores of babies born to women without eating disorders. Bulimia in Pregnancy Bulimia isn't uncommon during pregnancy, so don't feel like you're alone. However, women suffering from Bulimia nervosa are at far higher risk of complications during pregnancy because it compromises a woman's available natural stores for her baby. As a result, the baby may become undernourished—resulting in problems at birth or miscarriages. Signs and Symptoms There are various warning signs of bulimia during pregnancy: Self-induced vomiting Episodes of binge eating Depression Using laxatives after eating Feeling guilty about eating Irritability Effects on Pregnancy Women with bulimia nervosa are at greater risk for problems if they become pregnant. Research suggests pregnant women who are currently experiencing symptoms of bulimia are more likely to experience diabetes, miscarriages, early deliveries, and postpartum depression. However, some research also suggests pregnancy can be a good treatment for bulimia because women shift their focus to the baby instead of themselves. Postpartum Period and Eating Disorders Various eating disorders can begin after pregnancy, such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, orthorexia Nervosa, rumination disorder, and purging disorder. Typically, food insecurity, weight stigma and weight shaming, a pressure to breastfeed, and emotional stressors cause eating disorders during the postpartum period. Research has also found women with traumatic birth experiences have an increased risk of postpartum eating disorders. Up to 35% of women suggest their birth was traumatic. For a mother with a history of eating disorders, the postpartum period is a common period to experience eating disorders. Mother-Infant Relationship It's normal to feel some prenatal anxiety before pregnancy. Many women suffer from tokophobia—which is a fear of childbirth—before or during their pregnancy. Unfortunately, tokophobia can also lead to eating disorders and bulimia, which often continue after childbirth. However, it's important to overcome any eating disorders and build a mother-infant relationship. A happy mother has a better chance of building that all-important mother-infant relationship. If you're feeling worried about building a mother-infant relationship due to an eating disorder or other mental health issues, reach out to a doctor. They can assess your symptoms and find a plan of action. In Summary Eating disorders harm millions of women worldwide during or after pregnancy. Nevertheless, always remember that you're not alone during your struggles. Always reach out for help; you deserve to be happy during your pregnancy. At Cradle & Tonic, we are industry leaders in motherhood wellbeing. We have a selection of products to help you or your friends and family get through the mental struggle of pregnancy.
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Perinatal anxiety
While pregnancy is still viewed by our society as almost a perfect, idyllic period of a woman’s life, the truth can be very different. The unprecedented hormonal and bodily changes of pregnancy, in fact, can cause several mental health concerns. These can be even more serious in women who were already struggling with their mental well-being before getting pregnant. Conditions such as panic disorder, postpartum psychosis, tokophobia in pregnancy, and prenatal depression are, unfortunately, more common than we’d like to think. Nonetheless, if you suffer from any of these, it helps to know that treatment and support are available. Keep reading our essential guide to perinatal anxiety, learn useful and simple ways to manage and treat it, and go back to enjoying a happy, healthy pregnancy. Prenatal, postnatal, and perinatal anxiety While many people seem to be familiar with the expression “postnatal depression”, not so many know that anxiety during or after pregnancy is also very common. When talking about anxiety, the term “perinatal” encompasses all types of anxiety occurring during pregnancy or soon after the birth of a baby. To be more precise: Antenatal or prenatal anxiety is experienced during pregnancy Postnatal anxiety is experienced during the first year after the birth of a baby Perinatal anxiety is experienced at any moment from getting pregnant through to around 12 months after giving birth. Symptoms and signs of perinatal anxiety Read below to find out how perinatal anxiety can affect both your body and your mind, and what you can do about it. How does it affect your body? These are the most commonly reported physical signs of perinatal anxiety: Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or light-headed Feeling restless or, on the contrary, feeling incapable of moving Suffering from constant headaches or other new aches or pains Experiencing a rapid heart rate and faster breathing Sweating more than normal Experiencing sleeping problems, including insomnia and teeth-grinding at night How does it affect your mind? Perinatal anxiety also has a huge effect on your mind. Some of the most common symptoms are: Feeling constantly on edge, worried, and unable to relax Feeling scared all the time Experiencing negative, intrusive thoughts Feeling disconnected from your baby Experiencing dissociation as either depersonalisation (feeling disconnected from yourself) or derealisation (feeling disconnected from others and the outside world) Self-care and perinatal anxiety As you can imagine, perinatal anxiety can be incredibly debilitating for a woman’s physical and mental health. If you suffer from it, you might find it overwhelming to do most daily tasks, and even feel like you can’t cope with life due to your constant, extremely high levels of anxiety. This might also make you even more worried that this anxiety could harm your baby, which in turn keeps the vicious circle of anxiety going. Take a deep breath, find a quiet spot where you feel safe and comfortable, and keep reading our suggestions to placate your perinatal anxiety. Get creative It doesn’t matter if you are not an artist: creativity is a wonderful balm for the soul, and it can help tremendously if you are trying to reduce your anxiety. Getting creative looks different for different people, so don’t feel like you have to do something specific. If you need some inspiration, though, here is a handy list of artsy activities that you might want to try, to get your mind off things and embrace a slower, calmer lifestyle: Charcoal drawing Watercolour painting Playing an instrument Writing or journaling Making jewellery Move your body Staying active during and after pregnancy can help you shift your focus away from your anxious thoughts and give your mood a boost. Remember to always speak with your doctor before starting any physical activity, especially if your pregnancy is classified as high-risk, or if you have had a complicated birth. If your doctor gives you the green light, you can try some gentle exercises such as yoga, Pilates, and swimming. Taking a daily walk can also be a wonderful way to move your body both during and after pregnancy, without putting pressure on your joints and minimising the risk of injuries. After you have exercised, remember to take some time to indulge in a long, warm shower, and slip into your favourite loungewear to wind down for the night. Nourish yourself During and straight after pregnancy, it’s important to nurture yourself, both from a physical and an emotional point of view. Start easy by preparing yourself (or having someone prepare for you) healthy, nutritious meals, as well as drinking plenty of water. Getting all the essential nutrients in you will help stabilise your hormone levels and make you feel more balanced. Then, take some time to treat yourself to a moment of self-care, every day. This can be something as simple as soaking in a warm (not too hot, remember) bubble bath, with your favourite candle releasing a pleasant, relaxing scent in the air. Help and treatment Professional help is available if you suffer from perinatal anxiety. Your first port of call should always be your GP or midwife or, if you have already given birth, your health visitor. Talk to them about how you are feeling, and they will be able to provide you with the most suitable treatment. Typically, they might refer you to counselling or other forms of talking therapy such as CBT or IPT. If your perinatal anxiety is severe, your doctor might suggest taking medication, or perhaps combining counselling with medication. FAQ How long can perinatal anxiety last? Perinatal anxiety can last up until around 12 months after giving birth. Is perinatal anxiety common? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 10% of pregnant women and 13% of new mums struggle with a mental health condition, which is usually depression as opposed to anxiety. However, perinatal anxiety remains fairly common, both in developed and developing countries.
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Maintaining mental wellbeing while pregnant
Pregnancy can and should be an incredibly special journey towards an even more special destination: motherhood. However, pregnancy also comes with a lot of physical and emotional changes and challenges, which means that not every woman will enjoy these unique nine months to their fullest. When pregnancy feels miserable, it’s time to act rapidly: high levels of stress and anxiety, in fact, can be detrimental both to the mum and her growing baby. Maintaining good mental health throughout pregnancy is possible and should be the goal of all expecting mums. If you would like to learn some tips and tricks to ensure good mental well-being during your gestation, keep reading our essential guide. Why is mental health so important during pregnancy? The huge hormonal changes of pregnancy are one of the main culprits of expecting mums’ frequent mood swings. Feeling more vulnerable, emotional, and even overwhelmed at times is completely normal, as is experiencing mild levels of worry and stress. Nonetheless, when anxiety turns into an everyday occurrence, and its levels are high, then problems can occur. Increased and constant levels of stress and anxiety cause the body to respond by ramping up the production of the so-called “stress hormone”, cortisol. This hormone, in turn, can pose health risks to both the pregnant woman and her baby. Looking after your mental health whilst pregnant, then, is paramount. Below you can find some simple, yet effective, ways to do so. Talk about your problems and worries Voicing your feelings is one of the best ways to ensure that you feel supported and understood. If you are in a relationship, you can start by talking to your partner about your fears, worries, and anxieties. Single mums-to-be can rely on the love and care of family members and close friends. All pregnant women who are struggling should also speak to their GP or seek another type of professional help to sustain them throughout their gestation. Journaling can help, too. Simply carve out a few minutes, every day, to sit in a quiet and comfortable place, put pen to paper and jot down how you are feeling. Practice breathing exercises Practicing breathing exercises is another simple day to ease worries and anxieties whenever they come up. Slow, aware, and meaningful breathing, in fact, enhances oxygen levels, calms your heart rate, and relaxes your muscles. You can find lots of great exercises online, or you can download a meditation or mindfulness app that incorporates conscious breathing. Lighting up a delicately scented candle can help you to create a peaceful environment that will help you feel even more relaxed and connected to your baby. Keep a healthy diet Eating healthily is essential during pregnancy. Ensuring you get your recommended daily intake of all the main vitamins and nutrients supports both you and your growing baby, helping them to keep growing strong throughout the entire gestation. If you are suffering from morning sickness, it might be difficult to follow a varied, nutritious diet during your first trimester. However, whenever you can, try to drink as much water as possible and replace sugary or salty snacks with healthier options. Once you have reached the second trimester, things should get better, and you should be able to start eating more normally. Remember, though, that a few foods are off-limits during pregnancy, so try to avoid those. Be physically active Pregnancy can make you feel exhausted and lethargic, but it’s still very important to remain as active as possible. The good thing is that you don’t need to spend hours at the gym every week, go for long runs, or sweat it out at your usual cardio class. A simple brisk walk, a slow swimming session, or a pregnancy yoga or Pilates class can do wonders for your body, your mind, and your baby. To reap all the benefits of exercise, try to be as consistent as possible and, if the weather permits it, take your workouts outdoors. After exercising, remember to treat yourself to a long, indulgent shower, and finish off with a luxurious moisturiser. What not to do? During pregnancy, it’s paramount that you do not smoke, consume alcohol or drugs, and limit your intake of caffeine. It’s also important not to compare yourself to other pregnant people that you know or read about on social media. Pregnant bodies are all beautifully different, and so are the effects of pregnancy on them. Frequent mental problems in pregnancy, and available help and treatment Some of the most frequent mental health problems in pregnancy include perinatal anxiety, perinatal depression, perinatal OCD, and perinatal psychosis. Treatment is available to help you if you experience any of these. You can be referred to – or refer yourself – a counsellor and follow a series of talking therapy sessions. If your mental health problems are severe, your doctor might prescribe some medicines. Many medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, and their benefits significantly outweigh their rare and possible risks. Speak with your GP or midwife if you feel that your mental health is declining, and they will be able to provide you with the best, safest, and most effective support.
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Tokophobia
While giving birth to a baby is one of the most natural events to happen to a person, it can also become very complicated, very quickly, even in our modern times. When discussing childbirth, it’s important to address topics such as birth options, birth rights, and birth choices, but it’s also crucial to talk about what happens if a woman is utterly terrified of giving birth. This fear is known under the medical term “tokophobia” and is more widespread than you think. To learn more about it, keep reading our guide. The fear of childbirth: Tokophobia It is estimated that between 20% and 78% of pregnant women have mild fears associated with giving birth to a baby, and this is considered rather common. However, around 13% of women report a severe phobia of childbirth. This is called tokophobia, and it can be very debilitating. Tokophobia may present itself in different circumstances and moments of a woman’s life: Before pregnancy: The fear of childbirth may be so extreme that it prevents a woman from wanting or trying to get pregnant in the first place. During pregnancy: The fear of childbirth can occur at any point during pregnancy, particularly if the affected sufferer has not been pregnant before. After pregnancy loss or a traumatic birth: Also known as “secondary tokophobia”, this happens when a woman develops a severe fear of childbirth following a traumatic episode such as a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or a traumatic living birth. Signs and symptoms of tokophobia When looking out for symptoms of tokophobia, the most apparent include: Extreme worry and anxiety thinking about or talking about childbirth Excessive feelings of fear at the idea of giving birth Panic and anxiety attacks Flashbacks to previous and traumatic experiences, such as a pregnancy loss or traumatic birth What causes tokophobia? Just like most mental health conditions, several factors can trigger the intense feelings of terror, anxiety, and helplessness generated by tokophobia. Some of these include: An already-existing fear of physical pain A pre-existing diagnosis of another mental health illness, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, or psychosis A previous pregnancy loss A previous traumatic childbirth A previous traumatic or physically painful medical procedure A previous traumatic event, such as child abuse, rape, and sexual assault A lack of adequate resources, information, and support network Who is more vulnerable to tokophobia? Women who are pregnant for the first time may be more prone to developing tokophobia. This happens because the person might already have some biases associated with the potential pain and distress of childbirth, and may have formed negative thoughts and beliefs about it. As we mentioned earlier, secondary tokophobia is also possible. This occurs in women who have already been pregnant and, sometimes, have already given birth, but the pregnancy and/or the birth have not been successful or positive experiences. This is the case for women losing babies at different stages of gestation, as well as women giving birth to stillborn babies and women giving birth to living babies following traumatic labour and birth. Differences between tokophobia and pregnancy anxiety Modest amounts of stress and anxiety are often common, and are to be expected from women who are pregnant for the first time. However, when this anxiety becomes debilitating and becomes perinatal anxiety, then action needs to be taken as soon as possible. While perinatal anxiety is another serious mood disorder that affects many pregnant women, it’s not the same as suffering from tokophobia. Perinatal anxiety does not normally focus exclusively on fear or anxiety around childbirth. It’s much more pervasive and generalised. Tokophobia, on the other hand, puts the emphasis on childbirth only. Help and treatment If you suffer from tokophobia, be reassured that there is help available out there. Support can come in the form of love and care from your family, friends, and co-workers, as well as yourself. Remember, in fact, that practicing regular self-care activities during pregnancy is a wonderful way to nurture both yourself and your growing baby. If you feel like you need more specialised help, then you can seek the support of a professional. Talk to your midwife or GP, and find out if they can refer you to a CBT consultant to talk about your fears and worries. Practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and hypnobirthing can all help, too – especially if you create the right environment for it. Can anxiety and tokophobia affect your child? You might know already that constant, high levels of stress and anxiety are not beneficial to you or your baby, during pregnancy. This is because such feelings trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which causes your body to switch to the so-called “fight or flight mode”. Once you are in this condition, your muscles will tense up, your levels of oxytocin will plummet, and you will be more likely to have a more difficult birth. With the right type of support, you can overcome your tokophobia and ensure that you have a happy and healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby.
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How does panic disorder affect pregnancy?
While getting pregnant may come with loads of excitement, it's not nine months of bliss. According to research, 2.7% of pregnant women globally experience panic disorder, which comes with various risk problems. Read on to learn how the panic disorder affects pregnancy and how remedies like baby bump candles can help ease any related issues. Panic Disorder Before Pregnancy Panic disorder is a mental health condition that causes sudden and repeated attacks of extreme fear. It's different from having a generalised anxiety disorder, where you worry about many things. Your worries are often out of proportion with what's happening in panic disorder. Panic disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can affect people at any age. Women are more likely to develop panic disorder than men, and the difference between their numbers is insignificant. If you have already been diagnosed with panic disorder, it's essential to know that the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy and after childbirth. One reason is that women who have panic attacks often find it challenging to cope with stress during pregnancy and new parenthood. What Are Panic Attacks? Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear that occur suddenly and often unexpectedly. During a panic attack, you may feel you're having a heart attack or losing control, which can be terrifying and painful. Attacks can vary from 10 minutes to several hours. The primary symptom of a panic attack is the sudden onset of intense anxiety. A rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), sweating, trembling, and feelings of impending doom usually accompany the anxiety. A panic attack comprises three stages: the build-up, attack, and recovery phases. These stages can be highly stressful and frightening, but rarely dangerous. Although they're highly unpleasant, untreated panic attacks will usually pass, causing no permanent harm to your health. Is It Safe to Get Pregnant with Panic Disorder? The good news is that it's pretty safe to get pregnant with a history of panic disorder. Ultimately, some women find that the symptoms of panic disorder improve during pregnancy. The bad news is that panic attacks can be very frightening and sometimes misinterpreted as dangerous for your baby. For this reason, it's essential to seek help if you have panic attacks during pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife can help you manage your symptoms to ensure they don't disrupt your life. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid certain medications during pregnancy, especially if you have severe anxiety or depression. However, this isn't always necessary. For example, a first-time mother with a history of panic disorder may experience relief after panic attack, even with no specific treatment. Panic Attacks During Pregnancy Panic attacks during pregnancy are frequent and can occur at any time from conception through the first year after childbirth. However, most attacks during pregnancy are in the third trimester. As the pregnancy progresses, women experience increased oestrogen levels, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Without proper care, these changes can cause terrifying ingestion and heartburn, triggering panic attacks in some women. Pregnant women also experience changes in their body image and may feel that they are not attractive anymore. This condition leads to anxiety and worries about what others think of them and resultant panic attacks. Last, pregnancy hormones can also cause mood swings, leading to panic attacks. Signs You May Have a Panic Disorder The most common physical symptoms of panic disorder include: Sweating Fast heartbeat (palpitations) Chest pain or discomfort Feeling light-headed or faint Severe nausea/stomach pain. Dizziness or faintness Fear of losing control or dying Symptoms may vary from one person to another as you undergo the three phases of panic attacks. Panic Attacks Effect on the Baby Panic attacks can harm the baby since the baby is affected by all of your emotions, both positive and negative. Your doctor may advise you to keep your stress levels low by avoiding unnecessary stressors to reduce anxiety. Preterm labor can also cause panic attacks, putting your baby at risk for serious health problems. If this is the case, you may need to take certain medications that will calm your mind and help prevent labor from starting prematurely. Never ignore how you feel or try to suppress your feelings without getting them under control first. If possible, undergo therapy and medication to keep the attacks under control. You can also: Try relaxation techniques to relieve anxiety and stress Practice mindfulness meditation to reduce stressors Schedule time for yourself to reduce anxiety Use HYP baby bump candle to soothe psychological tension Where to Seek Help? You may need help dealing with panic attacks if: You experience extreme stress, which affects you and the baby. Panic attacks make it difficult to take care of yourself or your baby. Stressors that trigger the attack are out of your control. Symptoms become severe to a point you require hospitalization. Talk to your doctor or midwife right away. These professionals can provide you with information about what steps to take next. They'll also ask questions about your symptoms to rule out other tragic conditions, like severe mental illness. The more information they have, the better they'll be able to help you manage your condition successfully. How Can You Help Yourself During Panic Attacks? The most critical rule when experiencing panic attacks is to relax and focus on your breathing. Do something that will distract you from your anxiety so that you can calm down and reduce the physical symptoms as you wait for medical help. Here are some ideas: Take deep breaths while counting slowly to 10. This mindfulness will help you calm down and reduce symptoms like racing heart, sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Try yoga or meditation to help bring your body back into balance and promote calmness. Listen to music or read a book while taking slow deep breaths through your nose until your breathing returns to normal. Create a darker, more soothing environment if bright light or visual stimulation makes your anxiety worse. Many mums find that using a soft, comfortable sleep mask, such as the Cradle & Tonic Sleep Mask, designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, helps reduce sensory overload during anxious moments. Blocking out light can make grounding exercises, deep breathing, and mindfulness feel more effective. Your pregnancy should be a success story even with a history of panic disorder. With these remedies in mind and guidelines from your doctor, there's nothing to worry about.
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Living with PTSD and pregnancy
If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life and feel that you are still physically or emotionally affected by it, then you might be suffering from PTSD. This is a very serious mental health condition that can be even more problematic if you are pregnant or are a first-time mother. Rest assured, though, that help and treatment are available. To find out more about this, keep reading our comprehensive guide below. What is PTSD and how can it affect your pregnancy? PTSD is the acronym for “post-traumatic stress disorder”. As the expression itself says, this is a mental health disorder that occurs following trauma. It’s important to note that trauma looks different for different people. Traumas sit on a wide-ranging spectrum that goes from something life-threatening like experiencing war, violence, or abuse, to something that most people go through such as ending a relationship or losing a job. Trauma, in fact, has a lot more to do with how we react to and process negative experiences, than with the experiences themselves. As you can expect, suffering from PTSD can be very harmful if you are pregnant. This is because it can cause you to experience both physical and psychological symptoms that might put at risk your health or that of your baby. The risk of undiagnosed PTSD Receiving a formal diagnosis of PTSD is not always easy, precisely because traumas can range so much in type and severity. Symptoms of PTSD can also surface months or even years after the occurrence of a traumatic event, which further adds to the complexity of a diagnosis. When PTSD remains undiagnosed, however, its symptoms can escalate and turn into potentially life-threatening ones. This is one of the main reasons why it’s so crucial to be able to diagnose PTSD rapidly and provide effective and personalised support and treatment. PTSD after pregnancy PTSD can occur at any time in a person’s life, if they experience a traumatic event. PTSD after pregnancy is much more common than we think, with statistics stating it affects one to two in 100 women. This type of PTSD can be caused by a range of factors, including: Pre-existing (and, especially, undiagnosed) mental health problems High-risk, traumatic pregnancy and/or birth Pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination for medical reasons. Pregnancy-related PTSD In some cases, women can experience PTSD during pregnancy. This is particularly common in women who are pregnant following either a difficult pregnancy, the previous loss of a baby, or birth trauma. Causes and symptoms The symptoms of PTSD are usually quite obvious and pronounced, and can include: Constant flashbacks to the traumatic experience Constant negative, intrusive thoughts A constant feeling of panic, dread, and anxiety Physical sensations of pain Feeling emotionally numb Finding it difficult to concentrate Finding it difficult to bond with your baby Experiencing frequent outbursts of anger Having trouble sleeping Where to seek help? As a first step, you’ll want to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible. This includes nourishing your body with wholesome, nutritious foods, staying active, meditating, and surrounding yourself with people who love and support you. Taking the time to practice some self-care every day is also very important. Something as simple as relaxing in a warm bath with a lovely, scented candle can help still your mind and rest your body. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD after your baby is born, it might help to try and practice activities that release high levels of the so-called “love hormone”, oxytocin. These will allow you to bond with your baby and shift the focus away from the anxious, negative feelings and thoughts of PTSD. Things like calm and loving feeding or skin-to-skin sessions, perhaps in a candle-lit room, are great to help your body produce more oxytocin. However, when PTSD symptoms get too difficult to handle through self-help, it’s vital to seek professional help. Speak with your GP or midwife if you think you have experienced a traumatic event and are suffering from it. They will likely refer you to a mental health practitioner, who will be able to offer you specialised support. Both CBT and EMDR, for example, are very effective in treating PTSD. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe some medication that will help you ease the anxiety caused by your PTSD. FAQ What's a traumatic pregnancy? The definition of “traumatic pregnancy” is not easy to provide, as trauma can look different in different people. However, pregnancies that are classified as “high-risk”, or pregnancies that occur following a previous pregnancy loss or birth trauma can result in traumatic pregnancies. How can my pregnancy affect my PTSD? It is difficult to anticipate how pre-existing PTSD will go on to affect your pregnancy. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that if you are suffering with PTSD – whether or not you have received a formal diagnosis from a medical professional – you can seek the right help and treatment through your GP or midwife.
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Perinatal depression
Whether you are a first-time mother or have already had one or more pregnancies, perinatal depression is something that might affect you. For this reason, it’s important to know what it is, what its signs and symptoms are, and how to treat it in a timely and effective way. To learn more about this all-important topic, keep reading this comprehensive guide to perinatal depression. What is perinatal depression? The expression “perinatal depression” refers to a type of mood disorder (depression) that occurs either during pregnancy or in the first few months following the baby’s birth. Perinatal depression, therefore, includes types of depression taking place both in the antenatal and postnatal periods. While the symptoms of perinatal depression can vary in terms of number and severity, it’s always crucial to intervene before they escalate. Unaddressed perinatal depression, in fact, can put the safety of both mum and baby at risk. Difference between baby blues and postpartum depression Sometimes, you might hear the terms “baby blues” and “postpartum depression” used almost interchangeably. It’s important, though, to clarify that these two conditions are not the same. The so-called “baby blues” describes much milder mood changes and feelings of extreme worry, tiredness, and overwhelm that many new mums experience. These are mostly related to the major hormonal changes that your body and mind are going through in the early postpartum period, and they usually resolve themselves in the first two weeks after having a baby. When these feelings do not disappear or, even worse, they intensify over time, it might mean that a woman is suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis Another mental health disorder that affects some women in the postnatal period is postpartum psychosis. This is a very severe mental illness that manifests itself soon after the baby’s birth and causes a new mum to experience serious and debilitating symptoms. Such symptoms include hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, mania, and delusions. When a woman begins experiencing any of these symptoms, the help of a medical professional is required. This is because women with a diagnosis of postpartum psychosis are at a much higher risk of harming either themselves or their baby. Causes of perinatal depression Just like with more generic types of depression, perinatal depression can have a wide range of causes. Some of the most common include the following: A genetic predisposition to suffer from mental health illness Environmental factors such as prior birth trauma, pregnancy loss, work-related stress, or lifestyle Hormonal changes Physical and emotional demands of looking after a newborn baby A previous diagnosis of perinatal depression during or after a previous pregnancy Symptoms and signs There are different types and degrees of severity when it comes to the symptoms of perinatal depression, and not every woman will display every single one of them, or with the same intensity. The most common, however, are: Feelings of extreme physical fatigue Feelings of “mental fog”, confusion, and difficulty concentrating Constant feelings of deep sadness and anxiety Feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and hopelessness Thoughts about physical harm, death of the baby, or suicide Physical signs such as stomach problems, persistent headaches, and trouble sleeping Difficulty with or refusal to bond with the new baby Lack of or complete loss of interest in hobbies and activities Lack of or complete loss of interest in looking after themselves, their baby, or both Prevention and treatment Preventing the onset of perinatal depression is possible, but it requires a consistent commitment both from the expectant or new mum and from her support network, which can be formed by family, friends, co-workers, and medical professionals. Below are some great ways to enjoy pregnancy and ward off the insurgence of depression in the prenatal or postnatal periods: Early intervention: Whenever any potential signs of perinatal depression arise, it’s vital to intervene straight away in order to treat them effectively. Practicing self-love and self-care: This means following simple, everyday practices such as meditation, gentle exercise, a healthy and varied diet, and the maintenance of good personal hygiene during pregnancy. Practicing activities that release the hormone oxytocin especially straight after the baby is born. These include, for example, a feeding or a skin-to-skin session. To reap even more benefits and enjoy these moments at best, it can help to create a serene, comforting, and relaxing environment, with relaxing music, a delicately-scented candle, and a comfortable chair to rest on. If perinatal depression occurs, it’s essential to seek the right treatment for it. Read below to learn more about the available treatments for perinatal depression. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy (sometimes also referred to as either “counselling” or “talking therapy”) can help women suffering from perinatal depression. In particular, two approaches are very effective – cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT CBT aims to teach people different and more empowering ways of thinking and behaving. It’s a very hands-on type of therapy that challenges a person’s limiting beliefs and negative patterns of thinking and behaving. As a result, it can help to ease or remove feelings of anxiety and depression. IPT This is another evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that is widely used to treat depression in all its forms. The focus of IPT is on improving a person’s communication skills, strengthening their support network, and developing more realistic expectations around themselves, others, and life in general. Support from family and friends Another very important source of support comes from the sufferer’s family and friends. These people can play a crucial role in both helping a new mum seek treatment and relieving some of her feelings of depression by offering love, care, and support. Are you a close friend or family member of an expectant mum? Showering her with love, care, and thoughtful gifts can help her feel better both during and after pregnancy. FAQ What perinatal mental illness is the most common? According to research, the most common perinatal mental illnesses are perinatal anxiety, perinatal depression, and perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). What does perinatal distress mean? Perinatal distress is an expression that indicates a range of symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression that occur in women either during or soon after pregnancy. Pregnancy loss due to miscarriages, terminations, stillbirths, or other reasons is also included in perinatal distress.
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5 common pregnancy struggles - and how to cope
If you find that pregnancy sometimes feels like an emotional rollercoaster, then rest assured you are not alone. Pregnancy can inspire a wide range of emotions in the average woman, not all of which are pleasant. One minute, you may find yourself thrilled at the thought of bringing a new life into the world. The next, you may suddenly feel completely overwhelmed and caught up in a rush of pregnancy worries. Before you waste another moment feeling guilty about experiencing emotional stress during pregnancy, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it's not just you. While some mums-to-be may find it difficult or intimidating to discusspregnancy depression, it's far more common than some may think. Here are five things that can make pregnancy feel miserable, as well as tips on how to handle each. Emotional Rollercoaster Popular media has a way of depicting pregnancy as a magical time full of baby showers and excitement. While it can certainly live up to these stereotypes at times, there's also a whole other side to being pregnant that's all too rarely discussed. Pregnancy mood swings can leave soon-to-be mums feeling trapped on an emotional rollercoaster. Many an expecting mum can shift moods in a matter of minutes, going from sentimental to irritated for reasons even she is powerless to explain. The reality is that this emotional rollercoaster makes complete sense. Not only are your body and hormones going through significant changes, but so is your entire life. After all, pregnancy is a time of transition into a whole new reality. Rather than being hard on yourself for feeling anything less than ecstatic, remind yourself that it's perfectly natural for any significant life event to stir up emotions. There are bound to be times of excitement and expectation, but don't be alarmed when things like anxiety and stress also arise. Pregnancy worries can stem from everything from work and finances to fears about living up to being a great mum. Rest assured that these fears in no way make you a bad mum. On the contrary, they make you a perfectly normal mum. Body Changes Bodily changes during pregnancy are no small matter. These physical changes alone are more than enough to qualify every mum alive as a hero among women. Nausea, exhaustion, breast tenderness, and even constipation are just a few of the body changes that can occur alongside an expanding baby bump. You may also find that it's suddenly much more difficult to get comfortable in your own body, whether standing, sitting, or lying down. Even your heart will go through changes, as it's common for pregnancy to increase heart rate by up to 15 to 20%. Don't be alarmed if your body requires extra rest as it goes through the stages of pregnancy. After all, it's working hard around the clock to create a whole new person. In light of all these considerations, it's no surprise that the many bodily changes that come along with pregnancy are enough to affect anyone on an emotional level. Being uncomfortable for months at a time is bound to affect anyone's mood, no matter what the cause of their discomfort. That's why self-care is a vital part of the pregnancy process. Look for even the smallest ways to use these changes to your advantage. You'll likely discover, for instance, that pregnancy also tends to heighten your sense of smell, which can make for quite a nice treat under the right circumstances. Surrounding yourself with pleasant and soothing smells can be a wonderful way to relax. That's why we blended the calming scents of frankincense, bergamot, lemon, and vanilla in our all-natural Bath & Shower Gel. After you've enjoyed a relaxing soak, settle in and enjoy the smells of lavender, petitgrain, ylang yang, and more with our hand-poured Cradle & Tonic Bump candle. Sex Drive During Pregnancy Wondering what to expect from your sex drive during pregnancy? The safest approach is to abandon expectations altogether, as pregnancy may affect your libido in one of many different ways. Some pregnant women experience a heightened sex drive, while others couldn't be less interested in physical intimacy. Others still experience an ebb and flow throughout their pregnancy. What's important to keep in mind is that every woman and pregnancy is different. There is no right or wrong way to feel about sex while carrying a child, so attempting to live up to a standard of any sort is a fruitless endeavour that's only likely to lead to more pregnancy stress. What's behind the sudden libido shift? Hormones. Don't be surprised if pregnancy leads your body's estrogen and progesterone levels to take on a mind of their own. One day, your hormones may convince you that a cuddle with your partner sounds lovely, while the next, you may want nothing more than to be left in peace to indulge in unreasonable amounts of ice cream. Both instincts are valid. Pregnancy may leave your body feeling particularly tender on some days and more nauseous than you ever thought possible on others. Assure your partner that this is no reflection of your relationship. It's simply another of the more baffling aspects of procreation. Pregnancy Worries and Stress While many mums-to-be may feel pressured to put on a happy face, emotional stress during pregnancy is incredibly common. Pregnancy stress can be a result of anything from the exhaustion brought on by pregnancy itself to the pressure to make sure everything is ready by the time your baby arrives. If you're a first-time mum, you may even find that some of your pregnancy worries stem from the uncertainties of giving birth. Not only does Cradle & Tonic understand, but we also dedicated one of our three hand-poured candles to helping mums maintain an aura of calm during the birth and labour process. Additionally, we've developed a soothing aromatherapy body oil that's specially formulated to ease pregnancy worries surrounding stretch marks by keeping your skin soft and well-nourished. Accepting that some level of pregnancy stress is normal can prove helpful in avoiding the cycle of stressing over the fact that you're experiencing stress in the first place. Don't be afraid to reach out to other expecting mums and talk about your feelings. It's highly likely that you'll feel an immediate sense of relief simply by realizing that you are one of a global tribe of women who are all experiencing the exact same thing. Meditation and extra sleep can also be very useful in getting a handle on your racing thoughts and pregnancy worries. Remember that now is no time to be afraid to ask for extra help. You'll soon discover that everyone from friends and family to perfect strangers will not hesitate to help you with any task you need. Humanity has a rather beautiful way of rallying around the birth of a new life into the world. Don't hesitate to enjoy the extra kindness of others during this time or lend it to yourself through acts of self-care. Prenatal Depression As we've discussed, pregnancy mood swings, worries, and stress are not only common but expected parts of becoming a new mum. But what if you find yourself stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of sadness or feel a complete lack of control over your own emotions? There may be a chance you are suffering from prenatal depression. Unlike postpartum depression, which occurs after birth, prenatal depression is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Many expecting mums who find themselves dealing with pregnancy depression may feel hesitant about asking for help. If you count yourself among them, then it's crucial to abandon any fears that you are to blame. Prenatal depression is a medical condition and is no more a reflection on you as a mum or a person than any other condition. Plenty of other women have experienced what you're going through, as will many others in generations to come. A recent study by the University of Bristol even found that young mums today are 51% more likely to experience prenatal depression than those who gave birth in the 1990s. But how do you determine whether you are simply experiencing normal pregnancy mood swings or prenatal depression? While it's sometimes difficult to draw the line between the two, if you find that your pregnancy depression has begun to significantly interfere with your life or ability to care for yourself, then it's time to talk to your doctor. Prenatal depression can include symptoms such as profound feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or emptiness. In some cases, it has even led some women to thoughts of suicide or self-harm, in which case it's imperative to reach out for professional help immediately. Symptoms of pregnancy depression may also manifest as a tendency to withdraw or isolate, a desire to eat too much or too little, restlessness or sleeplessness, and an all-around loss of motivation. Rest assured that prenatal depression is treatable, with or without medication. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor, as there's no need to attempt to navigate prenatal depression alone. FAQ Why do I feel unhappy during pregnancy? Many things can contribute to emotional stress during pregnancy. Pregnancy mood swings may be the result of anything from constant hormonal shifts to common pregnancy worries. Some women may find themselves nervous about being first-time mums, while others may be anxious over the financial implications of having another child. Having a new baby is a huge life transition that is bound to bring up plenty of emotions. Additionally, don't forget that the bodily changes that pregnancy brings can go a long way towards affecting your mood! Giving birth is not for the faint of heart, so don't be afraid to treat yourself and your body to a little (or a lot) of extra self-care during this time. Which trimester is most emotional? One of the reasons that pregnancy is known for being such an emotional rollercoaster is that each trimester tends to bring on emotions of its own. During the first trimester, common causes of pregnancy stress include significant hormonal changes, unpredictable waves of nausea or fatigue, and anxieties surrounding miscarriage or first-time motherhood. During the second trimester, some of the earlier symptoms may calm down a bit, only to give way to a period of far more noticeable body changes. The second trimester is often called the "honeymoon" period, as it's when many women feel an increased sense of libido as their energy begins to increase and their hormones even out a bit. The third trimester often arrives with a whole new set of factors that can trigger pregnancy stress. By this point, many women find it particularly hard to get comfortable. Sleeplessness combined with greater levels of fatigue can certainly be a recipe for pregnancy mood swings. The third trimester is also the "nesting" period, where you'll suddenly feel an urgent need to clean, organize, and prepare for the arrival of your new baby. Where to get help and support? While pampering yourself can certainly help combat the realities of pregnancy stress, there may be times when it's important to reach out for support. Seeking out other expecting mums, whether in person or online, is a great way to remind yourself that pregnancy's emotional rollercoaster is a completely normal part of the process. Even your own mum is likely to serve as a great ally in reminding you that pregnancy mood swings are nothing to be ashamed of. If you find yourself dealing with unmanageable levels of emotional stress during pregnancy, however, it's always best to share your concerns with a medical professional. Understand that there are plenty of doctors and psychiatrists who have been trained as experts in what you're going through. Approaching them for help is just as good an idea as enlisting a professional in any other situation. As always, we wish you the most lovely of journeys on your path to meeting your new baby and hope this has helped reassure you that there's no need to ride the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy alone!
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