Anxiety is defined as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” It is the body’s natural response to stress, and according to the Mayo Clinic, having occasional feelings of anxiety is a typical and unavoidable part of life. Pregnancy-related anxiety is not uncommon, as it is a period of significant change and uncertainty. Forbes Health explains that “some biological causes of anxiety during pregnancy include hormonal changes that are essential to maintaining a healthy pregnancy.” Research from the Journal of Mental Health and Clinical Psychology found that 20% of people reported the onset of new anxiety during pregnancy. To cope with anxiety during pregnancy Harvard Medical School offers a variety of suggestions, some of which include the following:
- Educate yourself: Learn about the different stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, because understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety related to the unknown.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise can reduce stress and promote overall well-being. In general, it is safe to engage in gentile physical activity during pregnancy, but if you are concerned you can always get your exercise regimen approved by your healthcare provider.
- Prioritize sleep: Whether it is developing a calming bedtime routine, using a pregnancy pillow, or spending a few nights in a bed alone, ensuring adequate sleep can help minimize anxiety during this time.
- Practice mindfulness: Research shows that mindfulness may reduce worries about labor, and it may even prevent postpartum depression.
- Employ relaxation techniques: A 2021 study that analyzed stress levels in pregnant people after relaxation techniques involving music, guided imagery, and rest found that making a point to physically relax the body reduced maternal stress.
- Regular prenatal check-ups: Attend regular prenatal appointments. Feel free to openly discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, as they can offer guidance and reassurance about the well-being of both you and your baby, helping to assuage anxiety.
Some level of anxiety during pregnancy is typical, however, if your anxiety becomes persistent and/ or overwhelming, it may be advantageous to pursue professional help. A therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health, for example, can provide tailored strategies to manage anxiety and offer emotional support, helping to ensure that you have a healthy and positive pregnancy experience.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
