Mental preparation before pregnancy is an important thing to pay attention to.
Pregnancy is a process that requires major changes in a person’s life, both physically and mentally.
Mental preparation before pregnancy can help a person face the upcoming changes and prepare themselves emotionally.
Pregnancy can bring about a variety of significant hormonal changes , affecting overall mood and emotions.
This time, Lenny Utama Afriyenti, S.Psi., M.Psi., a psychologist at Permata Depok Hospital will give advice on mental preparation before pregnancy. Check it out!
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Mental Preparation Before Pregnancy
Every pregnancy has a different story, Moms certainly need to prepare for pregnancy well.
Psychologist Lenny Utama Afriyenti explained that there are several things that need to be considered before Moms experience pregnancy, namely:
1. Consultation with a Doctor
Discussing your condition with a professional, such as an obstetrician, will certainly make you feel more comfortable and calm.
Especially when knowing the health condition before deciding to get pregnant.
2. Learn to Manage Stress and Emotions
Emotional changes can be influenced by hormonal factors, so self- maintenance is very necessary for pregnant women so that emotions can be regulated properly.
Eating healthy foods, getting enough rest, getting support from your partner and family, and maintaining quality sleep can result in more stable emotions.
Start doing this early, because managing stress and emotions requires patience even after the child is born.
3. Be aware of changes in body shape
Accepting changes in physical form is a form of self-acceptance, where pregnancy will have an impact on body shape.
Lenny Utama explained that self-awareness is needed regarding the pregnancy period, so that the brain will perceive that physical and hormonal changes are something normal.
In addition, Moms can also join communities, read books, and do self-care.
“Perform self-care by doing activities that you enjoy, such as drinking tea in the afternoon, taking a leisurely walk, listening to music,” he said.
4. Building a Positive Mindset
Cultivating a growth mindset is very important so that Moms can later form a positive identity towards themselves and their fetus.
Because, there needs to be a relationship between Moms and the fetus she is carrying while starting her role as a mother.
5. Get Social Support
Communicate what is needed to your partner with assertive sentences.
Positive sentences can provide comfort and calm for Moms before and during pregnancy.
6. Finance
Mental preparation before pregnancy also requires thinking about finances, Moms.
It is undeniable that material things can have an impact on mental health. Because, the cost of pregnancy to childbirth can be quite high.
So, setting up a budget and considering adequate health insurance is a wise move.
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How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety Before Pregnancy
Stress and anxiety can be the biggest challenges before pregnancy.
To overcome this, psychologist Afriyenti shares several ways that Moms can do:
- Avoiding information that is not important for mental health . Moms need to choose the information they receive so that they are not influenced by misinformation that can have an impact on mothers.
- Do relaxation techniques. According to research, yoga can also help mothers to relax and calm their minds.
- Balancing yourself with other activities . Moms who are about to get pregnant need to maintain homeostasis in the body and mind. Doing fun activities is something positive for Moms. For Moms who work, arrange time so that you can occasionally do positive and useful me time .
- Sleep regularly . Getting regular and sufficient sleep can keep hormones balanced.
- Exercise regularly. Exercising can trigger the release of certain hormones that can make Moms more positive and happy.
Also Read: 9 Foods That Are Forbidden for Pregnancy Programs, Check Them Out, Moms!
The Effect of Mental Disorders on Pregnancy
Psychologist Lenny Utama Afriyenti explained that a history of certain mental disorders or trauma can affect the pregnancy period.
Mental disorders such as depression are not the same as anxiety.
Anxiety during pregnancy usually takes the form of excessive worry ( overthinking ), difficulty controlling thoughts that are always negative, physical problems, difficulty sleeping, easily agitated, quite high sensitivity, and anger over small things.
Meanwhile, depression during pregnancy takes the form of loss of interest even in things that are liked.
These include extreme fatigue, suicidal ideation, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, changes in appetite, and difficulty focusing and concentrating.
However, with awareness, maturity of thought, and the desire to recover, of course, pregnancy can be made more enjoyable.
The Importance of Psychological Therapy Before Pregnancy
Psychological therapy is needed for individuals who experience moderate to severe mental disorders.
As long as the pregnant woman can still control her emotions and gets full social support from her partner and family, of course psychological therapy is not needed.
Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the mother’s mental health during pregnancy.
This therapy will be very beneficial, especially if you are experiencing certain psychological disorders, because it can foster a sense of love for yourself, your fetus and you can prepare for the birth later.
Also Read: 15 Recommendations for the Best Jakarta Psychologists, Find Out Moms!
That is an explanation about mental preparation before pregnancy that Moms need to pay attention to.
As part of life, this mental preparation certainly needs support from your partner and the people around you, yes!
