Women experiencing anxiety during pregnancy are presented with a dilemma. According to an article in Science Daily, children born to women who were under stress during pregnancy may experience anxiety, depressive symptoms, learning difficulties, slower development along with a possibility of autism. A common treatment for anxiety is medication. The Merck Manuals warns; "In general, drugs, unless absolutely necessary, should not be used during pregnancy because many can harm the fetus." A variety of non-drug treatments for relieving anxiety are available and clinically shown to be effective.
Significance
Experiments conducted by Professor Marta Weinstock-Rosin of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem School of Pharmacy show that excessive levels of cortisol, a hormone secreted by the mother's adrenal glands during stress, reach the brain of the fetus. Excessive amounts of cortisol can cause functional and structural changes to the fetal brain and may also cause premature birth. Weinstock-Rosin states: "What does seem to be obvious already is that avoidance of stress to as great an extent as possible is a good prescription for a healthy pregnancy and healthy offspring."
Prevention and Solution
Simple lifestyle changes may help manage anxiety. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting daily exercise, using relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, getting enough quality sleep and eating well. As part of a healthy diet, the Mayo Clinic recommends including foods rich in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids along with avoiding foods laden with sugar and fat.
Calming Effects of Music
The Journal of Clinical Nursing reports a recent study finding that music can reduce anxiety, stress and depression levels in pregnant women. A total of 116 pregnant women were assigned to a music therapy group, and 120 pregnant women assigned to a control group. At the end of two weeks, all of the women were given psychological health assessments. The music therapy group had statistically significant reductions in stress, anxiety and depression over the control group.
Massage
Dr. Tiffany Field, a professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine, has published numerous studies demonstrating the power of massage therapy to reduce the level of stress hormones in the body. One study measured the effects of chair massage. Twenty-six adults received a 15-minute chair massage two times a week for five weeks. Twenty-four people in the control group were given instructions to simply relax in the chair without massage for the same time periods. Stress hormones were measured before and after the study. Levels of stress hormones were lower in the massage group.
Using the wrong positions or techniques for different stages of pregnancy can be harmful to the mother and the baby. Only use a masseuse who is professionally licensed and certified in pregnancy massage. Always consult your doctor before beginning massage therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing or eliminating anxiety. The Anxiety Disorder Clinic at the University of Houston approaches treatment threefold: education, thought challenging and exposure and response prevention. This process assists in changing the thinking patterns that create and support fear and anxiety.
Considerations
Anxiety symptoms should be discussed honestly and openly with a doctor or health care practitioner.
