{"id":5802,"date":"2023-05-30T09:59:48","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T01:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=5802"},"modified":"2024-03-31T12:31:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T04:31:09","slug":"anxiety-bane-of-mums-to-bes-wellbeing","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/anxiety-bane-mums-be-wellbeing\/","title":{"rendered":"Anxiety: Bane of Mums-to-be\u2019s Wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5802\" class=\"elementor elementor-5802\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b92652c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b92652c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1e3b51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f1e3b51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Most women look forward to being pregnant, but carrying a baby in the womb can also bring about various emotions, including anxiety.<br \/><br \/>In this sense, there are differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, according to Vera Pillai, a clinical psychologist for Columbia Asia Hospital \u2013 Bintulu and Miri.<br \/><br \/>\u201cFirstly, while both are what we refer to as anxiety in general, anxiety attack is not an official diagnosis; rather, it\u2019s a colloquial term used to describe a gradual build-up of anxious thoughts that become intense over time,\u201d she tells thesundaypost in Miri.<br \/><br \/>She says in an anxiety attack, one would feel tensed, agitated and restless, and also find it difficult to concentrate and sleep. This usually lasts for days, which is a longer duration than panic attacks.<br \/><br \/>\u201cPanic attack is usually unpredictable, involving a sudden feeling of intense fear and dread. It comes with shortness of breath, heart palpitation, dizziness, chest tightness or sweating.<br \/><br \/>\u201cFor reference, I will use the term \u2018anxiety\u2019 to include general anxiety, antenatal anxiety, postnatal anxiety, anxiety attacks and panic attacks,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4a674a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e4a674a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-942855e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"942855e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5813\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-1.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-1-300x108.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-1-768x276.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fe3e5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6fe3e5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa460f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fa460f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is antenatal anxiety normal?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e71082a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e71082a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>According to Vera, anxiety affects one out of four pregnant women in Malaysia, indicating that this condition is quite common among mothers-to-be.<br \/><br \/>\u201cTo be responsible for a new life and ensure that the baby\u2019s growth is safe, well and healthy, it\u2019s not an easy task.<br \/><br \/>\u201cFactoring in with a family history of depression or anxiety, intimate partner victimisation, substance abuse, complications during pregnancy, past miscarriages, disharmony in family relationship \u2013 any of these can easily overturn the joy and excitement of approaching labour, and replace it with endless worrying.<br \/><br \/>\u201cSo, if you\u2019re experiencing anxiety as a pregnant woman, know this \u2013 you are not alone,\u201d she assures.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ee2a6fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ee2a6fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9e50f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c9e50f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-5814\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-2.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-2-300x108.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-2-768x276.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7803794 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7803794\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b94481a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b94481a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How anxiety affects labour<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-055892b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"055892b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Vera says with the mind being at one with the body, anxiety will bring about changes to a pregnant woman\u2019s body, which may harm the foetus.<br \/><br \/>Blood flow to the foetus is reduced when the mother is experiencing high anxiety. This can lead to a low birth weight and premature labour, says the psychologist.<br \/><br \/>\u201cFor some, it may increase the labour length, and the need for epidural analgesia. It will also release less oxytocin, a crucial hormone to stimulate uterine contractions in labour and childbirth.\u201d<br \/><br \/>Moreover, Vera says during pregnancy, the baby is exposed to the mother\u2019s experiences such as sounds, breath and food.<br \/><br \/>\u201cThis also includes the mother\u2019s feelings. Feelings of anxiety can increase particular hormones in the mother that can influence the baby\u2019s development of the brain and the body.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae0ff33 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ae0ff33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ab0e70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7ab0e70\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seeking professional help<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a66a234 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a66a234\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Worrying over one\u2019s new motherhood phase in life is normal, says Vera.<br \/><br \/>\u201cEmotion-filled anxiety serves to prepare us for what may come, especially when the mind knows that we are about to experience many new changes.<br \/><br \/>\u201cHowever, if mothers-to-be start to feel like they are losing control, do seek psychotherapy treatment from clinical psychologists to help learn ways to control your feelings and thoughts.<br \/><br \/>\u201cI have yet to come across anyone who regrets seeking help for their mental health.<br \/><br \/>\u201cOn the contrary, many patients look back and regret not getting themselves treated sooner.<br \/><br \/>\u201cThe intensity of worry very likely increases as pregnant women approach their labour.<br \/><br \/>\u201cIt takes time to address the root of our worries; thus. it is best to get psychotherapy treatment once anxiety is detected.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-385cfd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"385cfd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a22fa3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1a22fa3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Anxiety medication during pregnancy<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-237bcae elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"237bcae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For many women, taking anti-anxiety medication during pregnancy may not be an option, says Vera, adding that there is still little information about the safety of such medication for the baby.<br \/><br \/>\u201cThus, it is important for pregnant women to talk to their psychiatrist before medicines are prescribed.<br \/><br \/>\u201cFortunately, they can opt for other options during pregnancy such as psychotherapy treatment like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This addresses unhelpful thoughts, heavy emotions, and provides anxiety management strategies.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55ec4f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"55ec4f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77c89f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"77c89f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5816\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-3.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-3-300x108.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ha-anxiety-3-768x276.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e93df6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5e93df6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96c5aba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"96c5aba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic05\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ways to cope<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c38ab8b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c38ab8b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Learn relaxation skills, Vera advocates.<br \/><br \/>Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, grounding and mindfulness can help ease the mind from many worries, and can also help calm the body, she adds.<br \/><br \/>\u201cGet enough sleep. Find out what works best for your sleep such as a pregnancy pillow, a quiet room, or a calming bed routine.<br \/><br \/>\u201cConsider putting your thoughts and emotions on paper by setting aside 15 minutes at the end of the day to write. Setting this time would help your brain understand that it has a specific time to think about these concerns, so you won\u2019t catch yourself worrying throughout the day.\u201d<br \/><br \/>Pregnant women can also consider psychotherapy, says Vera, adding that they can identify and learn ways to manage their thoughts and their worries about their pregnancy or anticipated motherhood.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da8ee65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"da8ee65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac014b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ac014b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic06\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A partner\u2019s help during labour<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0aa2663 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0aa2663\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Partners should stay calm and encourage the mother-to-be to take deep breaths. As best as their can, remain calm and provide gestures of care such as holding hands or a gentle grip on the hands, to help her feel calm.<br \/><br \/>The partner can also offer assurances by telling the mother-to-be affirmative words such as \u2018I am here with you\u2019, \u2018you\u2019re doing well\u2019, or \u2018I\u2019m so proud of you\u2019, to remind her of the support for each other, and that she is not alone.<br \/><br \/>\u201cGive her time; don\u2019t rush to calm her down by saying something like, \u2018just stop it\u2019.<br \/><br \/>\u201cShe needs time to calm down while the partner offer assurances,\u201d says Vera.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7fa40bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7fa40bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36d99fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"36d99fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic07\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What NOT to say to an anxious mother<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-818bed2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"818bed2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cAvoid problem-solving. You can try and offer solutions once the mother is calm. In moments of anxiety attacks or panic attacks, emotions are intense where it is hard for our minds to make rational decisions.<br \/><br \/>\u201cAvoid asking \u2018what\u2019s wrong\u2019 or \u2018what\u2019s happening\u2019. Rather, focus on calming her emotions.<br \/><br \/>\u201cAvoid judgmental comments. A mother goes through a lot of changes in her body. She goes through a lot of worries, even if it is not her first pregnancy or childbirth,\u201d says Vera.<br \/><br \/>She also reminds people surrounding an expecting mother to stay away from comments like \u2018you\u2019re thinking too much\u2019, \u2018you\u2019re overreacting\u2019, \u2018X has it worse than you\u2019, \u2018yot again\u2019.<br \/><br \/>\u201cRather, remind her of your support for her.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eca828c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"eca828c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eeea41d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eeea41d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic08\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Bonding difficulties between mum, baby<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ecefbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7ecefbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cYes. Postnatal anxiety (anxiety after birth), when severe, can often bring about response of strong avoidance of the fear trigger \u2013 in this case, the new baby.<br \/><br \/>\u201cIt is important for newborn babies to bond with their mothers,\u201d stresses Vera.<br \/><br \/>For such cases, the psychologist highly recommends mothers to seek psychotherapy services to address the root of their fears and help ease their relationship with their newborn babies.<br \/><br \/>Having their partner\u2019s support in seeking for professional help is essential to help mothers in their anxiety treatment and recovery process.<br \/><br \/>\u201cThe partner can offer support and be a listening ear to understand her thoughts and feelings.<br \/><br \/>\u201cAs some mothers are also overwhelmed with household chores, offer to take turns handling some chores. The partner can slowly be involved in handling the baby such as being with the mother during feeding sessions, or helping to bathe the baby.<br \/><br \/>Vera says she has seen quite a few cases of mothers refusing to leave the hospital or their homes after giving birth.<br \/><br \/>\u201cLeaving the hospital means becoming independent when it comes to caring for the baby.<br \/><br \/>\u201cLeaving the home means exposing the baby to the outside world, risking diseases. These reasons could be signs of postnatal anxiety or depression.\u201d<br \/><br \/>In view of this, Vera advises mothers going through such situation to consult a clinical psychologist to further understand and at the same time, gain the appropriate treatment via therapy as well as familial support.<br \/><br \/>\u201cThat would be the key to overcoming fears of being a mother,\u201d she stresses further.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a46a33 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4a46a33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64bf17b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"64bf17b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">This article first appeared in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2023\/06\/04\/anxiety-bane-of-mums-to-bes-wellbeing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Borneo Post, 4 June 2023.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most women look forward to being pregnant, but carrying a baby in the womb can also bring about various emotions, including anxiety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5811,"template":"","topic":[158,101],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-5802","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-obstetrics-gynecology","topic-women","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - 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