Psychologist explains how to reduce anxiety during pregnancy

Mixed emotions are normal, not a sign of bad motherhood

A wanted pregnancy does not by itself guarantee peace of mind, and a woman does not need to 'earn' the right to become a perfect mother. This was stated to Gazeta.Ru by psychologist Elizaveta Gaiduk. According to her, motherhood is not an exam where you have to prove your competence: sometimes it is more important to stop demanding the impossible of yourself and allow yourself to be a living human being who also needs care and support.

Permission to feel different emotions and limiting the flow of information

Gaiduk emphasized that one should allow oneself any feelings: it is possible to want a child and fear childbirth at the same time, to rejoice in the pregnancy and miss one's former life. Mixed emotions, in her view, do not cancel out love and do not determine future maternal qualities. Her second recommendation is to give up the pursuit of an 'ideal' pregnancy: follow the prescriptions of your doctor, but do not turn health care into an endless list of demands on yourself. The expert also advises limiting the flow of frightening information — not reading every story on forums and not listening to every piece of advice, since a woman has the right to choose what information to receive and with whom to discuss her condition.

When anxiety requires professional help

The psychologist noted the importance of distinguishing between medical necessity and an anxiety-driven checkup: if you feel the urge to study symptoms again or undergo additional testing just for short-term reassurance, these worries should be discussed with a doctor. If, however, the anxiety interferes with sleeping, working, resting, or communicating with loved ones, then, according to Gaiduk, it is time to see a psychologist experienced in perinatal issues or a psychiatrist. Support during pregnancy is available and should not be a source of shame.

Context

The article is a follow-up to an earlier publication in which the psychologist explained why it is worth abandoning the idea of an 'ideal' pregnancy. An important limitation remains: the recommendations are based on the opinion of a single specialist and are not clinical guidelines; in cases of serious anxiety, the decision on treatment should be made by a doctor.