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    Justina Perry

    Psychological changes during pregnancy: An emotional upheaval

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    Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Mental Health

    Pregnancy and initial weeks/ months are a time for a significant psychological change for both parents. Such psychological changes during pregnancy help in the preparation and adaptation for parenthood, self-identity, couple relationship and parent-infant attachment. Moreover, the psychological state of the pregnant woman is dynamic and changes/ fluctuates during every trimester. (Ref)

    To make sense of the emotional ups and downs during the pregnancy, it is important to have an understanding of the psychological changes during this vital period. This would also help in detecting and addressing any mental health problems at a very early stage. Sometimes, psychological changes could lead to significant stress too.

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    Baby Loss Awareness Week

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    Categories: Baby Health Tags: ,

    The following guest post was written by Wayne Dickens.

    Finding out that I was going to be a dad for the first time was the biggest moment in my life. So many emotions hit me at once; excitement, sheer joy, awe, anticipation, amazement and, if I’m being honest, a little anxiety. As the early weeks went by the anxiety quickly retreated and was overtaken, wholly and completely, by excitement. Then we had our first scan and wonderment consumed me, my heart skipped a beat the first time I saw our daughter wiggling around on that grainy screen. As the trimesters passed I imagined what she might look like, what character she might have and what it would feel like the first time I ever held her in my arms. I imagined all the things that were to come; first crawl, first steps, first words, first birthday… Then the day came, I wouldn’t have to wait any longer, deep breath, being a dad would start now.

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    Postnatal depression in fathers

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    Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Mental Health Tags:

    There is a common belief that postnatal depression occurs only in women. However, research has shown that fathers can also suffer from what is termed Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPD). In fact, it is though that at least 10% of dads suffer from the condition and the rate is even higher among men whose partners are suffering from postnatal depression.

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    Tocophobia (Tokophobia): Phobia of pregnancy and childbirth

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    Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Mental Health, Perinatal Wellbeing Tags: ,

    The term ‘Tocophobia’ (or Tokophobia) refers to a severe fear of childbirth and/or pregnancy. This is sometimes also called severe Childbirth Anxiety (CA) or Fear of Childbirth (FOC). The word ‘Tokophobia’ originated from Greek ‘tokos’ meaning childbirth and ‘phobia’ meaning intense fear. Although often used in the context of pregnant women, the condition also occurs in non-pregnant women and in men.

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    Pelvic Girdle Pain during pregnancy

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    Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Wellbeing Tags:

    Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), formerly known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), is a common health condition during pregnancy. If not properly treated, PGP it can lead to anxiety, depression and poor quality of life for pregnant women. Fortunately, with early intervention and multidisciplinary approach, an excellent outcome is possible.

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