Pregnancy Tips for Women with Psychiatric History

Suffering from any type of psychiatric problem such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder (ptsd), panic attacks, even bipolar disorder, etc. can be more difficult to handle during pregnancy. This is because all women when they are pregnant endure a range of hormonal emotions. If you already suffer from a psychiatric disorder or even the" mild depression blues", your hormonal changes could become more severe than the average pregnant woman who doesn't suffer from mental illness. You may experience intense depression that leads to suicidal feelings, waves of extreme anxiety and panic attacks; you may even feel that you do not even want to carry the baby in the middle of the pregnancy because of the extreme stress. These emotions are normal while pregnant and already facing psychiatric disorders. You can get through these hard times and wave of emotions by taking care of yourself and the baby developing inside your womb. Take note of these vital steps, to get you through a safe delivery, and bring a healthy baby into this world with as much ease as possible.

Taking Medication for Psychiatric Disorders during Pregnancy

The issue of taking any type of psychiatric drug during pregnancy is controversial one. You will have to make a personal decision regarding this matter. In my first pregnancy before I knew about alternative medicine. I was extremely depressed and had suicidal thought. I was advised by my midwife and doctor to continue to take the prescribed anti-depressant Prozac that I was on at the time. I was told that there was no evidence to support the fact that the medication would cause any birth defects. I took the medication prescribed to try and help with my depression during my entire pregnancy. I was advised not to breast feed though. The medication goes directly into the breast milk and is not recommended for the baby to ingest into its small, growing body. The baby came out just fine. The medication eased up my depression slightly, I will admit.

Years later having more knowledge regarding conventional psychiatric drugs and the effect on the liver, and organs and knowing that it won't truly cure the psychiatric ailment, I opted for natural approaches to easing my depression, suicidal thought, and panic attacks.

Tip #1- Research the side effects to any psychiatric drug you take into your body and the possible side effects it can have on your unborn fetus. Consider the risks and benefits of anti-depressant medication.

Tip #2- Take Herbs safe to take during pregnancy to soothe your nervous system, regulate your hormones, and herbs to promote rest if you suffer from insomnia .All will help to minimize with your psychiatric ailment, so that you can cope and not cause (unintentional) harm to the life growing inside your womb.

Herbal Suggestions

I took all of these while I was pregnant, with 4 of my children; I have 5 healthy, beautiful children.

Relax Chi- (safe to take during pregnancy) - is a natural herbal anti-depressant. It boosts the brain chemical levels of serotonin. It treats mild to moderate cases of depression, no side effects. Acts as a mild sedative, relaxes muscles and helps calm you down during extreme stressful situations

Sleep Aid Chi-(safe during pregnancy) sleep aid chi is like a stronger version of the relax chi. Your muscles will relax even more so. It is a mild natural sedative; it soothes the central nervous system. If you suffer from insomnia you will achieve pure relaxation, calmness, and relief of anxiety to the entire body.

Blood Chi-(safe to take during pregnancy) - a blood tonic that will help decrease stress, it soothes the nervous system, helps ease depression symptoms, and insomnia.

Bonus Tip #- Blood Chi is multi-functional, it will increase blood supply from the growing baby tapping into your blood supply, a natural herbal iron supplement (get more iron for the baby), a natural headache reliever

Chinese Yam- (safe to take during pregnancy) this herb will help balance out hormonal issues and is effective in establishing a peace of mind.

www.healthcareherb.com

Tip#3- Purchase or Check out the Book "Pregnancy Blues" By Shaila Kulkarni Misri, M.D.

This book is a guide to questions about"What every woman needs to know about depression during Pregnancy."

Tip #4- If you cannot control suicidal thoughts, or you are having suicidal ideations, contact your therapist, your doctor delivering the baby, and family and friends.

If you feel like trying to hurt the baby, you must tell someone no matter how it may sound so that you can get help and the baby is unharmed.

Do Not Carry This Pain Alone.

Tip #5- Keep scheduled appointments with a psychiatrist or therapist. If you are opting to take medication you must continue to see your psychiatrist so that he or she can adjust the dosage amount that you are taking while pregnant.

Your therapist will be your sounding board to let off all your steam, pain and aggravations. You will need his or her support.

Tip#6-In an Emergency: Consider Psychiatric Hospitalization if the symptoms are too unbearable and you feel you may cause yourself, the baby, or someone else harm.

Being hospitalized isn't the worst solution. I voluntarily checked myself in a good mental facility during 3 pregnancies. You will get proper care, rest, healthy round the clock meals and someone making sure you do not harm yourself or the baby. If other psychiatric patients are rowdy, ask to be placed in a quiet unit, and try to get private room.

The most important thing is keeping you and the life inside you healthy and alive.

Tip#7-Minimize junk food and fast food. Eating a proper diet will help with proper brain function as well as help with the growth of your baby.

Tip#8- Light Exercise done in moderation will boost morale. The exercises will help increase serotonin and other brain chemical levels to keep stress down in moderation.

Tip#9- Less Work Hours/Get More Rest - If you can work half days to relieve stress do so. If you work at home, take it easy. Working too much increases stress and pressure making symptoms of your psychiatric illness increase. Resting gives your body is key, to psychiatric disorder aid and support.

Tip#10- Treat Yourself- Positive activity for yourself will help decrease depression. Take extravagant bubble baths, get pedicures, etc.

Take Care of yourself and Life inside your womb.