Hormonal changes during pregnancy greatly affect a woman’s psychological and emotional state. "Sudden mood swings are among the most prominent changes in a woman's psyche during pregnancy, as they can range from joy and happiness to sadness, anger, and crying quickly. Some pregnant women may also suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of hormonal changes as well as psychological pressures associated with pregnancy and changes in life in general," Dr Badriya Al Qassabi pointed out, Family Physician, Department of Women and Child Health, Ministry of Health.
Effectively managing stress, anxiety, and depression can help enhance pregnancy health and keep both mother and fetus safe. “It is important for women to deal with these changes in a healthy way, such as getting psychological support from their partner or friends, practising relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, and ensuring adequate rest and sleep. Appropriate exercise during pregnancy, such as walking can help enhance mood and reduce stress, in addition to paying attention to healthy nutrition that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins," she noted.
Dr Badriya confirmed that these strategies can help relieve psychological stress and enhance mood during pregnancy, but pregnant women should consult their doctor before applying any of these strategies to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their health condition.
The first months of pregnancy are characterized by many hormonal changes and the appearance of uncomfortable symptoms that greatly affect the pregnant woman's psyche. The most common symptoms, as mentioned by Dr. Badryia, are "nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning, which can be annoying and affect the quality of daily life. Some women may also feel very tired and exhausted, which can reduce their quality of life. Women may also experience changes in appetite, as they may feel a desire to eat certain foods and avoid others. Additionally, women may become more sensitive to some smells during this period, and these smells may cause nausea and disturbance."
There are some practices that can help alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms. “Avoid fatty, spicy, and strong-smelling foods that may increase nausea and vomiting. Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals. Avoid strong odours that may trigger nausea, such as incense or strong perfumes. Getting enough rest and sleep can help relieve fatigue and exhaustion. Trying relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help relieve stress and tension. Consult a doctor to prescribe appropriate medications if symptoms are severe and significantly affect daily life,” explained Dr Badriya.
Understanding Physical Changes and Health Complications
Weight gain is one of the most noticeable physical changes that a pregnant woman goes through. “It is normal for a pregnant woman to gain weight due to the increased weight of the fetus, extra fluid, and fatty tissue. The size of the abdomen and breasts also increases due to the growth of the fetus and the body's preparation for childbirth. Stretch marks may appear in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, and breasts due to weight gain and can be uncomfortable for some women. Fluid retention during pregnancy can also cause swelling in the feet and hands, which is a minor and temporary change,” she explained.
Dr Badriya pointed out that it is important for women to deal with these physical changes in a healthy way, such as practising gentle and appropriate exercises for pregnant women, like walking and swimming, which will help maintain physical fitness and control weight gain. Additionally, adopting a healthy and balanced diet that contains fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding fatty and fried foods as much as possible is crucial. Maintaining good hydration and drinking sufficient amounts of water daily can help reduce swelling and maintain healthy skin. Wearing comfortable clothes that fit properly and using moisturizing creams for the skin can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Dr Badriya warned against neglecting weight gain during pregnancy because it may lead to complications such as increased risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and congenital malformations of the fetus, along with issues during childbirth such as premature birth and delivering a baby with excess weight.
Pregnancy can also lead to various other health complications if women neglect healthy nutrition, proper exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle. “The risk of urinary tract infections may increase during pregnancy, which can lead to serious complications such as premature birth. Urinary tract infections can be prevented by drinking enough water and maintaining hygiene,” she noted.
Congenital abnormalities can occur during pregnancy due to genetic or environmental factors, which may be mild or severe. These abnormalities, as she said, “Cannot always be avoided, but the risk of their occurrence can be reduced by avoiding exposure to influencing factors such as smoking, alcohol, and harmful medications.”
Many other health complications may arise during pregnancy that affect the mother and fetus's safety, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Some women may be exposed to venous thrombosis, especially those who have risk factors like obesity, lack of movement, certain chronic diseases, or blood clotting disorders.
Dr Badriya advised pregnant women to consult their doctor regularly and follow medical instructions to help control or prevent these complications. It's essential for women to prepare both their bodies and minds before pregnancy to reduce potential health risks to themselves and their babies. “It is essential for a woman to consult her doctor to assess her general health and ensure no underlying medical conditions could affect the pregnancy. For women with chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, consulting their doctor is crucial to adjusting treatments and ensuring overall health before conception,” Dr Badriya emphasized.
She also recommends maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and avoiding harmful foods like saturated fats and refined sugars. Regular moderate exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall physical fitness.
Dr Badriya cautioned against drinking alcohol and smoking before pregnancy, as they can negatively impact the health of both the mother and the fetus. She also stressed the need to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and harmful rays, such as mercury and X-rays, that could affect fetal health.
"Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy can significantly reduce health problems and complications during pregnancy. It's important to avoid stress and anxiety as much as possible, think positively, and ensure adequate quality sleep before pregnancy. Good sleep helps renew energy and promotes overall health," she concluded.
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