Treatment of neurosis during pregnancy

Causes

According to one popular theory, neurosis is considered as a chronic disorder of higher nervous activity as a result of exposure to prolonged and strong external stimuli. The irritant may be heavy physical or psychological stress, stress and other factors. It is not always possible to find out the exact reasons for the development of neurosis in a particular woman.

Factors that provoke the occurrence of neurosis during pregnancy:

• Hormonal changes . During pregnancy, a real hormonal storm rages in a woman’s body. The concentration of progesterone, oxytocin and other significant hormones in the blood increases, and the ratio of biologically active substances changes. All this inevitably affects the functioning of the nervous system and leads to certain changes in the woman’s psyche. Noticeable changes are observed already in the very early stages of pregnancy.
• Predisposition . It has been noticed that neuroses during pregnancy occur more often in emotionally unbalanced women. Such women often, even before conceiving a child, had certain neurological problems, experienced phobias, suffered from panic attacks and other conditions.
• Psychological discomfort . The general feeling of novelty and change in life is a significant risk factor for the development of neurosis. The expectant mother is in a constant state of stress. Not knowing what to expect from her changed situation, the woman experiences understandable anxiety, which often turns into neurosis. Problems arise more often with unplanned pregnancies.
• Physical discomfort . Toxicosis, gradually increasing weight, stretch marks and other changes in the body provoke increased anxiety and the development of neurosis. In the later stages, a cause for concern may be loss of control over one’s own body due to a shift in the center of gravity, severe weakness, insomnia and other problems that await expectant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Inadequate load . Neuroses during pregnancy most often occur in working women who are forced to withstand significant physical or psycho-emotional stress during this period. After going on maternity leave, the condition of the expectant mother improves significantly, and the manifestations of neurosis disappear without additional therapy.

The combination of all these factors leads to anxiety, which is followed by various neurotic disorders. The more emotional a woman was before conceiving a child, the higher the likelihood of developing neurosis during pregnancy.

Neurosis during pregnancy

Neuroses during pregnancy are caused by a combination of physiological (hormonal changes in the body, toxicosis) and psychological (fear of the unknown, changes in everyday life) reasons. A woman, especially in the early stages, cannot get used to the fact that life is about to change. It is difficult for her to give up habits that can harm the child, to limit herself in everything, to live “by the hour.” This is layered with strong hormonal changes in the body, and neurosis occurs.

With neuroses during pregnancy, the most common symptoms are:

• excessive irritability;
• sleep disorders - insomnia, constant daytime sleepiness;
• tearfulness;
• excessive fatigue, severe fatigue even after minor physical exertion;
• fear of childbirth;
• a feeling of dissatisfaction with oneself and one's life.

Neurosis during pregnancy is often perceived as a normal change in character for such a period. But this disorder can harm mother and baby. Women who experience severe stress during pregnancy may have children with nervous system disorders: hyperactivity, a reduced threshold for adaptability. Such children are also characterized by severe allergic reactions, including bronchial asthma. Therefore, it is better to contact a qualified specialist. An experienced and competent doctor will make the correct diagnosis and help the pregnant woman cope with neurosis.

Symptoms

Neurosis occurs at any stage of pregnancy. Its manifestations can be very different and largely depend on the woman’s initial emotionality.

Possible symptoms of neurosis:

• sudden mood swings;
• increased sensitivity to common irritants;
• touchiness;
• tearfulness;
• increased anxiety;
• sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights and other stimuli;
• fast fatiguability;
• decreased attention and memory;
• sleep disorder

Anxiety is one of the main manifestations of neurosis. The expectant mother can worry about any reason. A woman overwhelms herself, finds new reasons for panic, and often infects those around her with her unreasonable anxiety. From time to time, this state may be replaced by periods of remission and relative well-being.

Fatigue, general weakness and apathy are very characteristic of neurosis. In the early stages of pregnancy, such manifestations of the disease are often confused with symptoms of toxicosis. If after 12 weeks weakness is not replaced by increased strength, you should seriously think about the reasons for this condition.

Many women experience vegetative symptoms against the background of neurosis:

• increased sweating;
• cardiopalmus;
• changes in blood pressure;
• fainting;
• nausea;
• increased frequency of urination.

Half of expectant mothers experience a decrease in libido. Sleep with neurosis also suffers significantly. The expectant mother may experience unpleasant dreams and even nightmares. Sleep becomes shallow and intermittent. In the morning and afternoon there is drowsiness and loss of strength.

Comments

I was also very afraid of getting pregnant, of course it would have been better to be cured first, but again this fear takes over, I didn’t wait and now we are already 11 weeks old, I don’t wish for anything, worsening in terms of P.A. didn’t happen. Don’t limit yourself in your desire to become a mother. Don’t be afraid and go towards your goal. Good luck to you!

Thank you very much for your support. I will try)

I also think I need to get pregnant and not be afraid, even though at the time of pregnancy I was still a healthy person, without neurosis, but I’m still sure that with the appearance of a child, all attention switches to him and time there is less left to worry about your sores, and this is already a big plus!

At one time I was psyching myself up, but these fears constantly bother me, because of this there are no positive results (I am very suspicious) Therefore, support is very important to me. thank you very much

Long before pregnancy, I stopped taking pills because... I remember the period when I finished taking the tablet. it was worse than at the very beginning. I don’t even need valerian now. Sometimes it covers me a little, but it goes away quickly.

And if PA or severe anxiety begins during pregnancy, what should you do during this period? (What sedatives can you take)

Hello, I have the same problem now, I know that I can’t take anything except valerian, although my attending physician told me that homeopathic medicines are not dangerous during pregnancy, but I don’t risk taking them. I’m also very suspicious, I really want a child and at the same time time I think I'm afraid of everything.

Everything here is ambiguous. I also plan to become a mother, although I suffer from anxiety-phobic disorders. I'm very suspicious. I saw a psychologist, she said that during pregnancy the level of anxiety increases even in “normal” women. Although I heard another interpretation from other specialists, that during pregnancy the body is mobilized to bear a child and all the sores, incl. psychological plan pass, because a woman has a mission - to bear and give birth to a healthy child. And everything else (fears, phobias, unreasonable anxieties) fades into the background.

It’s unlikely that the psychologist is right. Now I’m pregnant but there’s no deterioration in terms of PA. But there’s no deterioration, rather the opposite, and everything would be better if I didn’t pump myself up, it’s the habit of being afraid and anxious. So everything is individual.

Yes, I was also told that many people leave. But it seems to me that for this there must be a very strong psychological motivation. Those. You must absolutely sincerely, to the point of colic, want this child, and if this is not the case, then it may not happen. My PT said that now the time is a little different and for many women a child is no longer a strong motivation. But I think to each his own. If you really want it, then go for it.

Before pregnancy, I had PA 1-2 times a year and almost didn’t bother me; during pregnancy, everything was OK too! I never had one! On the contrary, I felt less well and had less fears, but after childbirth. 2 weeks later it all started. I’ve been suffering for 2 years now, but it’s different for everyone! Anyone who knows how to get distracted and switch to a child is good, unfortunately I can’t do that.

Girls, don't be afraid of anything. I suffered from an anxiety disorder, and I felt very bad physically, I couldn’t get pregnant for 3 years, it was absolutely terrible. Then I got pregnant, and I was taking amitriptyline 2 tablets a day, when I found out that I was pregnant, I immediately quit, abruptly, it was wobbling for exactly 3 days, and then, and then the happiest time in my life began, no worries, no anxiety, NOTHING at all ! I gave birth myself, there was no fear at all, now we are 2 and 9, a wonderful, smart and calm child. It’s just a pity that my neurosis has returned, although it’s no longer so scary)))))), my son doesn’t let me fall into this hole, and I’m very grateful to him for that. We are planning to try a second one in March, although I don’t feel very well right now, I just don’t think about it. I just don’t want to ruin my life with this nonsense, and let her be better alive next to me than instead of me.

If you want something to happen, I dreamed of becoming a mother all my life, before conception I had 2 years of strong PA, I did not leave the house alone and did not travel on public transport, plus I was a student. All the psychotherapists told me that I can’t give birth, I need to get cured first, etc., after talking with my husband, we realized that we would go for it. I stopped taking the pills, it was very difficult, I started taking prenatal vitamins, didn’t watch TV, only watched the computer with cartoons and family films. When I felt better, we began to act :) I became pregnant, at first there was such joy, followed by joy came a strong fear of how I would give birth, what if I had PA, etc. Then I started a diary, where every day I began to write my fears, and next to justify them, and it began to work out. When I felt scared, I looked in my diary, read my fear and next to it the rationale for my fear, and it even made me smile :) and it’s even better to do this with someone from your family (only with someone who understands you and understands how important this is for you). I continued to monitor my health, contrast showers, gymnastics for pregnant women, by the way, they helped very well with attacks. and if VSD came, I drank valerian. And most importantly, I kept repeating to myself “I want my baby to be born healthy” and constantly talking to him. I gave birth with my husband, thank him very much, I looked only at him and seemed to listen only to him. During the 5 days I was in the maternity hospital, a strong PA occurred only when I was walking along the corridor to the maternity ward. I stopped, looked around and began to convince myself, I came for the baby, I will leave with him, there are a lot of doctors around, they will definitely help. I want to see my son, I want to smile at him and say: hello, I’m your mother! Now my son is 4.8 years old; for the first year there was practically no Pa. Now I'm at full strength. but I understand that everything will pass, the main thing is to wait it out. Girls, if I had waited as the doctors told me what time I would have had to give birth at 50.60. My body would have been exhausted by pills and self-criticism. Think with your heart, but don’t rush to get pregnant right away. Think if there is a person nearby who can help you morally. I wish you all good luck!

But I really, really want to get pregnant. But my husband and I can’t do anything. On the contrary, the psychologist told me that I can’t get pregnant because I really want to have a child, and since I can’t do this, neurosis arises against this background. those. It’s like a vicious circle, I want, nothing works out, neurosis comes from neurosis, etc. (sorry for the pun))))

Neurosis, or neurotic disorder, is a collective name for a group of various reversible psychogenic disorders. Such conditions tend to be protracted and can lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life. Neurosis often occurs in young women, including during pregnancy.

Consequences for the fetus

Long-term neurosis leads to a significant decrease in working capacity, interferes with an active social life and often becomes the cause of conflicts with loved ones. At the same time, it is quite difficult for a woman to remain calm and take care of her health. Against the background of neurosis, various chronic diseases often worsen, which in turn leads to a deterioration in the condition of the expectant mother and her baby. All complications that arise are not specific and are associated with a change in the general reactivity of the body and a decrease in immunity.

Features of the psyche during pregnancy

With conception, a woman’s body changes dramatically. Metabolism increases, but the psychological picture worsens. A woman is already subconsciously preparing for the imminent birth of a baby and motherhood. Many things that were unimportant before pregnancy now come first.

The psyche during this period is unstable. The mood is changeable. The expectant mother pays attention to bad events and minor situations. Because of this, respiratory neurosis visits her more often during pregnancy. than other people. Changes in the hormonal field can be abrupt, and therefore there is a possibility of neurosis.

This disease affects the expectant mother, the fetus, its development and subsequent life after birth. Pregnant women suffering from neurosis have a high risk of contracting pathologies during pregnancy.

Most medications should not be taken during pregnancy. Medicines can negatively affect the development of the fetus. If a woman develops neurosis, urgent, comprehensive treatment is necessary.

Treatment and management of pregnancy

Therapy for neuroses is carried out individually, taking into account the severity of the woman’s condition and the duration of pregnancy. Medicines are prescribed with great caution and only if they cannot be avoided. The selection of medications is carried out by a psychotherapist. In most cases, specialists try to do without drug intervention during pregnancy.

To improve the general condition and eliminate increased anxiety, herbal sedatives are prescribed: motherwort or valerian. The course of treatment is long, from 1 month. Taking motherwort and valerian is allowed at any stage of pregnancy.

Psychotherapy is an effective and very popular method of treating neuroses during pregnancy. Psychotherapy sessions can be group or individual. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor based on the general condition of the patient. The help of a qualified psychotherapist allows the expectant mother to cope with all problems, reduce anxiety and return to normal life in a short time.

Treatment of the disease in pregnant women

Treatment of neurosis in many cases involves visiting a psychotherapist and group sessions. If therapy is started in a timely manner, there is a chance of complete recovery and elimination of all symptoms. To correct the condition, you should follow some rules:

• It is important to accept that over the course of 9 months, physical and emotional changes are inevitable. You should realize that all this is temporary and will soon pass.
• You need to take care of your appearance. Neatness, beauty, and the use of cosmetics will preserve self-esteem and self-confidence. There are many maternity clothing and shoe stores. Various wardrobe items will help a woman look sexy.
• Correct diet. The right products will help support a woman’s immunity and general health. The maximum amount of vitamins is found in vegetables and fruits. Don't get carried away with food additives and preservatives. You should read how many useful elements are included in the products you eat.
• Good rest and good sleep. A woman will not be able to handle the number of household and work tasks that she did before pregnancy.
• It will be useful to get carried away with something. Positive emotions are very important for pregnant women.
• A little physical activity won't hurt either. Special aerobics will help a woman relax. Walking and a little activity will help overcome stress and prepare the body for the upcoming birth.
• It is important to talk about your experiences to your loved ones and your doctor. The help of relatives and specialists is very necessary during this period. It is possible to turn to psychologists.
• Remember that for 9 months nothing is more important than you and your baby.

There are cases when psychotherapeutic treatment did not produce the desired result. If this occurs in a pregnant woman, you need to visit a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications. Sedatives and herbal medications are prescribed. Occasionally, antidepressants and tranquilizers are prescribed. This type of medication is bad for the health of the child and woman. The doctor must check a large number of factors, examine the mother and fetus, and only then prescribe treatment.

There are many medications that have minimal side effects, but the use of such drugs should be a last resort.

Prevention

General recommendations for the prevention of neuroses during pregnancy:

1. Slow down. Take it for granted that you will not be able to do everything in your position. Set your priorities wisely and try to do only what is really important to you.
2. Delegate your responsibilities. Ask for help from loved ones and work colleagues.
3. Look after yourself. Buy beautiful, comfortable clothes, use high-quality cosmetics. Maintain your good mood in any way possible.
4. Make time for hobbies.
5. Eat tasty and healthy foods throughout your pregnancy.
6. Move more. Do yoga, gymnastics, or join a swimming pool. Spend more time outdoors. Meet with friends, walk for at least an hour a day. Keep your body in good shape until the day you give birth.
7. Don't let negative information enter your space. Don't read or watch the news, avoid communicating with people you don't like.
8. Discuss your experiences with family and friends. Don't keep problems to yourself.
9. Rest as often as you need. Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
10. If any unpleasant or alarming symptoms appear, be sure to consult a doctor.

Compliance with these recommendations will allow a woman to avoid the development of neurosis or at least reduce its manifestations during pregnancy.

How to cope with neurosis during pregnancy and after childbirth?

During pregnancy, a woman’s psyche, already quite labile, often cannot withstand hormonal changes. A woman’s well-being, mood, and behavior change.

It is important to draw the line between a healthy reaction and neurosis. Unlike short-term, unstable reactions of a healthy person, neuroses significantly affect a woman’s life - they limit her ability to work, interfere with her daily activities, and create problems in communicating with her family.

Pregnancy is a strong emotional and physical stress, it may well cause neurosis.

Neuroses during pregnancy can be divided into two subtypes: neuroses during pregnancy and neuroses that arise after childbirth.