How To Prevent A Panic Attack During Pregnancy
People who experience panic attacks say they are one of the most intensely scary episodes they have ever known. Understandably, then, a panic attack during pregnancy is even scarier than an ordinary panic attack, because the mother-to-be is concerned not only about what is happening to her, but about the effect that a panic attack during pregnancy can have on the unborn baby. In fact, pregnancy has been referred to (jokingly) as a nine-month panic attack.
If you suffer from panic attacks during pregnancy, you need to know that you can control some of the symptoms to make your panic attacks more bearable. Here are some things you need to know about how to handle a panic attack during pregnancy.
You Are Not Alone
Every year, more than one-third of all Americans experience panic attacks. During a panic attack, your heart rate increases; you may feel alternating chills and hot flashes; hyperventilation and shortness of breath cause dizziness or a feeling that you are about to faint. You might experience nausea and abdominal cramping, chest pain, headaches, and tightness in your throat.
Needless to say, these symptoms can really freak you out if you are pregnant.
Keep Your Doctor Informed
If you suffered from pre-pregnancy panic attacks, tell your obstetrician all about them. What triggers your panic attacks? Do you take any medication to prevent them? What do you usually do to treat a panic attack when you feel one coming on? The answers to these questions will help your doctor develop a plan to manage your panic attacks during your pregnancy.
Many women fear that they will have a panic attack during delivery. For some women, just thinking about delivering a baby can give them a panic attack. Ask your doctor for heavy sedation during the birth process in order to relieve your fears.
Manage Stress For Prevention
Stress is one of the most common triggers of a panic attack. Not all stress can be avoided, but if you can follow a few simple suggestions for reducing stress during pregnancy, your panic attack risk will decrease.
Avoid caffeinated foods and beverages while you are pregnant. Most expectant mothers do stop smoking and drinking while they are pregnant, but many women continue to drink limited amounts of coffee and tea, and to eat chocolate while they are pregnant. All these substances can make you more stressed out and more susceptible to a panic attack during pregnancy.
