| Panic attacks during pregnancy can be a common | | | | rush-hour traffic, argument at home, etc.) to trigger an |
| occurrence, even though the sufferer has never had | | | | attack. |
| general anxiety disorder or panic attacks before. They | | | | Most women don't want drug-based medication while |
| can happen because of the many changes that | | | | they are pregnant if it can be avoided, so here are 3 |
| happen during pregnancy to a mother's body, and her | | | | natural tips for overcoming anxiety and panic attacks |
| natural anxieties over her pregnancy. | | | | during pregnancy:- |
| Let's first look at what causes panic attacks in general. | | | | 1. Take plenty of rest and relax. Ensure that you don't |
| The underlying cause is a level of continuous anxiety | | | | overdo things. Take frequent regular rests during the |
| that is higher than one would normally experience. It is | | | | day. Nap, read books, listen to relaxing music. Do you |
| so high, that any additional stressful situation, or event, | | | | have a relaxing, therapeutic hobby? |
| can push it even higher and trigger a panic attack. | | | | 2. Slow, controlled breathing can help calm and relax |
| The symptoms of a panic attack are just your body's | | | | you. Again, lie back on your bed and breathe slowly, in |
| primeval pre-programmed reaction to a perceived | | | | through your nose, and out through you mouth. But |
| dangerous situation or threat. You might have heard of | | | | don't breathe too deeply as this has the opposite |
| 'fight or flight'. It takes your intense stress and anxiety | | | | effect. And make sure you use the whole of your |
| as a threat and reacts accordingly. | | | | diaphragm to breath, not just your chest. |
| But of course no such danger exists, so you aren't | | | | 3. Talk to a trusted friend or relative about any worries |
| reacting as you would if there were that danger, and | | | | you have. They can often help you see things more |
| so you're left with the symptoms such as; tightness in | | | | positively, and help you lower your stress. Alternatively |
| the chest, hyperventilation, palpitations, racing heartbeat, | | | | seek professional counselling. |
| hot flashes, dizziness, feeling of impending doom, etc. | | | | These 3 tips can help you overcome and manage |
| But why do women who have never had panic | | | | your anxiety and panic attacks. But there's one other |
| attacks previously, experience them during pregnancy? | | | | thing that also must be addressed, and that is the 'fear' |
| Well, pregnancy itself can be a very stressful and | | | | of having another panic attack. |
| anxious time for the mother. Mothers invariably worry | | | | The symptoms of a panic attack are just so disturbing |
| about the baby's health, about the birth, will they make | | | | that you don't want to repeat it. So the 'fear' of |
| a good mother, are they ready for motherhood, etc. | | | | another attack develops in your psyche adding to your |
| And, there are many chemical and physical changes | | | | already elevated anxiety. The result is that any |
| happening during pregnancy. | | | | additional stressful event can trigger another attack, |
| So this elevated anxiety over a period of 9 months, is | | | | just what you don't want. You must break-out of the |
| similar in many respects to someone with general | | | | 'anxiety cycle' (anxiety > fear > panic attack > |
| anxiety. All it then needs is for an additional stressful | | | | anxiety > fear > panic attack, etc.) if you want to |
| event (e.g. shopping in a busy supermarket, stuck in | | | | prevent further panic attacks. |