How to Take Care of Mental Health During Pregnancy
Even though it used to be overlooked for a long time, a woman’s mental health is a crucial part of the fetus’ environment, and as such, it affects the development of the child. As a mother I have Unfortunately, negative moods and psychological disorders of the mother increase the risk of poor brain development, so let’s dive deeper into this issue.
Early Brain Development
Babies’ brains start to develop in utero, long before birth. They develop in a sequential way, which means that the events are programmed to happen in a certain order. The components are built from the bottom up, and if the basis of brain architecture is disrupted by trauma or chronic stress, there can be negative consequences.
The Role of Maternal Mental Health
According to recent research studies, mental health concerns like anxiety, stress, and depression cause some of the most common complications of pregnancy. What’s more, around one out of five women in the world experience prenatal depression at some point. However, an expectant mother’s mental health also plays a big role in the child’s brain development, as well as its future physical, behavioural, and mental well-being. Whether it rises to the level of a diagnosable condition or not, significant maternal stress can impair fetal brain development. This can result in long-term cognitive and behavioural problems that will be noticed during childhood.
On the other hand, by encouraging mothers to nurture positive emotions during pregnancy, the immediate environment can help them support proper brain development for their babies. Moreover, mental well-being during pregnancy leads to greater childhood resilience in the future.
How Is Stress Communicated to the Fetus?
In stressful times, the mother’s body will release cortisol – a hormone that helps regulate functions like the immune system, blood sugar, and metabolism. Although cortisol has an important function, too much of it can be harmful, both for the expectant mother and the fetus. When the level of cortisol is too high, the placenta acts as a barrier that regulates the amount of the hormone that actually reaches the developing baby. Regardless of that, prolonged exposure to high stress can weaken the barrier and that is when excessive cortisol moves from the mother’s body to the fetal circulation.
The exposure to cortisol is particularly concerning because the fetal stress response system starts developing as early as during the fourth week of pregnancy. So when the elevated stress hormone bombards it, it becomes dysregulated, which can lead to long-term consequences. This is how the mother’s overwhelming life demands and unresolved trauma can become a burden on the child, even before it is born.
Pre-existing Issues that Can Affect Mental Health During Pregnancy
In some cases, pre-existing mental health conditions should be considered during pregnancy care. You should think about your mental health and how it might need to be managed before getting pregnant, or in the earliest stages of pregnancy. If there is a reason to do so, speak to your healthcare professional about untreated mental illness, or about the treatment you are getting for your mental health condition since it may require adjustment. Some antidepressant and antipsychotic medications should not be taken during pregnancy as they carry a risk of birth defects. Conditions that might require professional consultation before or during pregnancy include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, a history of panic attacks, and eating disorders such as bulimia.
Other Damaging Effects of Stress on the Fetus
Besides the negative effect on brain development, increased stress and the occurrence of mental health problems can damage the fetus in other ways, too. That is why we should look into some of the most common consequences of maternal mood on the developing child:
Low Birth Weight
Low birth weight is one of the most significant effects of maternal stress on the fetus. Of course, low birth weight does not stand on its own. On the contrary, it increases the likelihood of complications at birth, developmental delays, and different health problems in the future. Studies have shown that babies born with low weight are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular problems.
Damaged Emotional Health of the Child
The damaging effects of maternal stress are not only physical. They can also impact the unborn baby in several other ways, including emotionally and mentally. Research studies indicate that children born to overstressed mothers with poor mental health are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems at some point in their life.
Weakened Immune System
Babies who are exposed to high levels of emotional stress in the womb are more likely to have a weaker immune system. This means that such children could be more exposed to infections, illnesses, and allergies. Living with a compromised immune system can affect the child’s ability to fight off diseases. As a result, the baby may require more medical attention during infancy, and in some cases, the issue can extend to later periods in life.
Common Risk Factors for Mental Health Issues During Pregnancy
Even if you’re currently not experiencing mental health problems, some factors can put you at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety during pregnancy. They include a family history of poor mental health, a previous mental health condition, going through a hard time at work or in any aspect of personal life, problems with alcohol or drugs, feeling that you don’t get enough support from your loved ones, and past or current abuse (psychological, physical, or sexual). Mental health problems are more common than you might think, so whatever happens, remember to reach out to a professional who can provide you with suitable assistance.
How to Manage Mental Wellbeing During Pregnancy
As an expectant mother, you should make your mental health a priority, not only for yourself but also for the sake of your baby’s development. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your well-being during this sensitive time. First of all, do not expect too much from yourself. Be realistic when it comes to things that you can and cannot do and give yourself time to rest. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals and stay physically active. Of course, never engage in exercise before consulting a healthcare professional.
Next, spend time with people who help you relax and make you feel good about yourself. Avoid those who drain you emotionally. Also, try to make connections with other expectant parents so you can support each other in the process. You should only do this if you find people you like and enjoy spending time with. Finally, avoid making any major changes like moving house or changing jobs unless it’s necessary.
A happy and healthy mother is the first condition for a healthy baby, both mentally and physically. Now that medical experts are aware of the importance of mental health during pregnancy, they should pay equal attention to it as they do to other health segments. Managing stress during pregnancy and putting emphasis on the importance of the expectant mothers’ emotional stability is crucial for proper brain development of the baby’s brain, as well as its entire body and mind.
