A woman experiences huge physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and the increased hormone levels can cause her moods to swing wildly. These hormones combined with anxieties about the baby and mixed feelings about taking on the responsibilities of parenthood can combine to make pregnancy a very emotionally demanding time.
On top of all this, some women find that their rapidly changing body shape affects their self-esteem and they feel like an alien in their own skin.
Some research suggests that up to 70% of women suffer with low mood in their last trimester, but there are many natural ways to deal with the variety of emotional changes pregnancy causes.
(Source: Walker LO, Kim M. Psychosocial thriving during late pregnancy: relationship to ethnicity, gestational weight gain, and birth weight. J Obstet Gyn & NeoNatal Nursing. 2002;31:363-74.)
Natural ways to promote emotional health during pregnancy
Flower essence therapy:
You might like to consider using flower essences as way to support your emotional well-being during pregnancy. These are widely available in health food stores and pharmacies and include Bach flower remedies – a system of 38 remedies developed by noted bacteriologist and homeopath Dr Edward Bach in the 1920s and 30s.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Please note that flower essences contain alcohol.
Before the birth:
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Pregnancy is a huge change within a woman’s life. The remedy Walnut can help with coming to terms with this.
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It is easy to feel anxious for your unborn baby. Red Chestnut can help soothe your feelings of anxiety.
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Working through your pregnancy may leave you exhausted. The remedy for this is Olive.
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It is natural to feel irritable and impatient during the later stages of pregnancy. Impatiens may be of use for these feelings.
During the birth:
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Rescue Remedy is the perfect combination of remedies to help in the delivery room. It contains Bach flower essences for shock, terror, agitation, loss of control, and feelings of faintness.
Early days as a new mum:
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If you feel like you never have enough time and that things are getting on top of you, take Elm to give you a helping hand.
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If you feel overly anxious about your child, as often happens with a first child, simply try some Red Chestnut to calm and reassure you.
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For baby blues, try Gentian and Mustard if you feel down about your parenting skills or simply feel a little depressed. For more help and advice visit the National Childbirth Trust at www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com.
(Always read the labels of products.) ∏ Ω
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
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Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
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