Does Panic Attack During Pregnancy Affect the Baby

The trigger of the panic attack problem during pregnancy is usually fear of birth. The fears you are experiencing and the “Does a panic attack during pregnancy harm the baby?” We totally understand your concern. You just need to calm down a little.

How does a panic attack during pregnancy go, what can be good for you? If you’re ready, let’s get started.

What is a panic attack crisis?

A panic attack is a psychological disorder in which sudden episodes of distress, fear, and anxiety lead to thoughts of “something bad will happen” or “I’m going to die.”

Expectant mothers who experience panic attacks during pregnancy usually cannot stay at home alone or go out. Panic attacks negatively affect both social and daily life.

What causes panic attacks during pregnancy?

Most of those who have panic attacks during pregnancy are people who have experienced this disease before. But of course, it is also possible to experience the first attack while pregnant.

Pregnancy can be a time full of anxiety, especially for first-time expectant mothers. It’s normal to be a little worried, too. However, if these worries turn into panic and your thoughts get out of control, panic attack symptoms may appear in your body.

Under the complaints of panic attacks and palpitations during pregnancy, “What if something happens to my baby?”, “Something bad will happen to my baby.” and “I will hurt my baby.” such fears.

What are the symptoms of panic attacks during pregnancy?

• Shortness of breath (as if you are short of breath),
• chest pain,
• Palpitation,
• Tremors in hands and feet
• Hand and foot numbness
• Fatigue,
• hot flashes,
• Sweating,
• Ürperme,
• dizziness,
• Feeling faint are the main panic disorder symptoms.

How to deal with panic attacks during pregnancy?

Attacks last for about 20 minutes on average, and the symptoms gradually subside over time. In this process, you should keep your cool as much as possible and convince yourself that this is a temporary situation. It’s also very important that you focus your attention on other things, rather than letting the attack continue from start to finish.

How to treat panic attacks during pregnancy?

If the panic attack you experience is only for once and has not recurred, there is no need for treatment. However, if you are having panic attacks in an untimely and non-triggering way, you need to be treated as this will affect your quality of life.

Standard treatments are used in the treatment of panic attacks during pregnancy. The most important element in the treatment phase is to be convinced that there is no physical problem. You need to learn how to control this disease. The first option is always therapy. Generally applied treatment methods;

• Relaxation and breathing exercises ,
• Psychotherapy,
• overcoming techniques,
• Imagination,
• group therapy,
• It is drug therapy.

Don’t think that the only solution to your extreme anxiety is to take medicine. First of all, try non-drug alternative treatments and pay close attention to your diet. Try to consume plenty of foods that contain Omega-3, especially. However, if there is a condition that prevents you from meeting your basic needs such as eating or sleeping, you should start medication under the supervision of your doctor and therapist.

The drugs used for the treatment of panic attacks during pregnancy should be chosen in a way that will provide the most benefit with the least risk. The dose of the drug is very important. If you have any panic attack medication that you used before pregnancy, you can continue with it by changing the dose after consulting your doctor.

Does a panic attack during pregnancy affect the baby?

“Does panic attacks during pregnancy affect the baby?” You may have some concerns. Panic attacks only affect you negatively, they do not cause any problems in the development of your baby. However, if you experience a panic attack again, let your doctor know.

Do drugs used in the treatment of panic attacks during pregnancy harm the baby?

Those who use panic attack medication during pregnancy should do this under the supervision of a doctor. Because using antidepressants during pregnancy can also affect the baby through the placenta. Especially some antidepressant drugs can cause serious harm to the baby in the first period of pregnancy.

Let’s say that babies who are exposed to the effects of such antidepressant drugs in the womb are more likely to be admitted to intensive care units after birth.

How should panic attack patients give birth?

The association between panic attacks and pregnancy is often rooted in fear of childbirth. Panic attacks can trigger your fear of birth, making the birth journey difficult. So much so that there may be people who have panic attacks at birth. You should definitely seek help in this regard, as the fear you will experience at the time of birth may cause uneasiness to your baby in your womb.

If the psychological support you receive during your pregnancy does not help you overcome your fears, it is useful to have a cesarean delivery . Of course, if you trust your doctor, you have no problems coping with your fears, and your health is suitable , you can have a normal delivery .

Expectant mothers who have had depression or panic attacks during pregnancy are at higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression. Of course, this is closely related to your ability to control your stress.

How can you deal with a panic attack during pregnancy?

You can deal with your fears, anxieties, negative thoughts, in short, whatever is causing you to have a panic attack during pregnancy. You just need to find that strength in yourself. Think of the happy days you will live with your spouse and baby without losing your positivity, and do not neglect to apply our recommendations below.

• Make time for things that make you feel good throughout your pregnancy. The more you deal with the things that make you happy, the less time you have for negative thoughts. Talk to your baby often, enjoy your pregnancy.
• Don’t underestimate breathing and relaxation techniques, they work great. Apply whenever you have time. Inhaling and exhaling slowly will help you control your panic. Count to 5 as you inhale and to 10 as you exhale.
• Avoid situations that cause you worry and fear as much as possible. Negative thoughts lead to more stimulation of the brain.
• Once you understand what a panic attack is, it’s much easier to deal with. Make sure you have enough information and get support from an expert if necessary.
• Don’t listen to other people’s negative birth stories. Every moment that contains fear and negativity can affect you negatively. Warn those around you about this and keep only positive birth stories in your memory.
• If fear of childbirth is what caused you to have a panic attack, register with your partner at the birth preparation center . The best way to deal with your fears is to seek guidance from well-equipped people.
• Instead of waiting for the attack to pass when it comes, try to focus your attention on other things from the beginning. Calm down and breathe deeply. Ask someone nearby for help, go for a walk. You can also listen to relaxing music, it will be good.