Treatment of panic attacks during pregnancy

Expecting a baby is a happy and exciting time. And it is desirable that nothing marred it, especially diseases of the mother. It is best to plan for a future pregnancy - treat all acute diseases, bring chronic diseases into remission. Two to three months before conception to cancel drugs that may harm the baby, establish a regime of work and rest, start taking vitamins. So the birth of a new life will take place in favorable conditions. But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to prepare for motherhood, and the desired pregnancy can occur during the disease. For example, the modern "scourge" of women - vascular dystonia with a panic component.

Panic attacks in pregnant women are not uncommon, especially if there were episodes before pregnancy. The disease itself is not life-threatening, but it significantly darkens it. However, the autonomic components of the attack - palpitations, shortness of breath, fluctuations in blood pressure - are undesirable for the fetus. Plus, treatment for panic attacks includes medications that are inadmissible in pregnancy. In general, pregnancy with IBS and panic attacks is possible - these diseases are not a contraindication for her. But if a mild victory of panic disorder before it did not come out, to let the disease take its course should not be allowed. An expectant mother necessarily need the help of a psychotherapist.

Causes of panic disorder in pregnant women

Panic attacks in pregnancy can occur for several reasons. First, it is an ongoing panic disorder that was not treated before pregnancy. At the same time, there are many cases when panic attacks during pregnancy completely disappeared and no longer bother a woman. And vice versa - a panic disorder suffered long ago during pregnancy can return. It also happens that the first episode of the illness occurs after the onset of pregnancy.

Both relapse and the debut of the disease in an expectant mother can be explained by the fact that a woman's hormonal system with the onset of pregnancy is imbalanced, anxiety increases, and fear for the future baby appears. All this is stress for a woman, and it is the trigger mechanism for the development of panic disorder, and an anxious, unstable state while waiting for motherhood is fertile ground for it.

Panic attacks during pregnancy are not uncommon, so there are effective treatments specifically for expectant and nursing mothers who can rid women of panic attacks without harming the baby.

How to help a pregnant woman with panic disorder

Psychotherapy is the main tool for dealing with panic attacks in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Antidepressants used as supportive therapy are highly undesirable in the first trimester, and in the second and third trimesters they are prescribed only for severe panic disorder, when the benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the fetus (the woman's condition requires it).

It is the work with a psychotherapist that helps to identify the underlying causes that caused the panic disorder. Treatment is based on these causes - negative attitudes are worked through and replaced by positive ones, hidden fears are uncovered, self-esteem and self-confidence in one's own strength are improved.

A specialist will explain why panic attacks occur during pregnancy, what to do when an attack approaches and during it, and teach you how to relax and control your thoughts and emotions. These skills will help you stop an impending attack at the root. Gradually, the frequency and intensity of attacks will decrease, and pregnancy and motherhood will bring only positive emotions. Don't self-medicate, see a professional to give yourself and your baby peace of mind and happiness.