Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Mental Health
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating illness affecting 1 in 10 women during pregnancy. This could have a profound impact on the physical health and psycho-social wellbeing of the woman. This article gives an overview of this health condition and advocates for a holistic approach to the care of HG.
[Read more…] about Hyperemesis gravidarum (hg): impact on emotional health and wellbeing
Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Mental Health
Addressing stress during pregnancy can prevent many complications. This article briefly outlines what is stress, stress symptoms and treatment and if the stress can harm unborn babies.
Before we discuss the impact of the stress during pregnancy, it would be useful to understand some basic aspects of stress.
[Read more…] about Stress during pregnancy: myths and scientific facts
Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Mental Health
This article has been kindly written by Dr. Rebecca Moore from the United Kingdom. Dr. Moore is a renowned Perinatal Psychiatrist working in London, with experience spanning over twenty years. Her role incorporates working with and supporting women who have new onset or pre-existing emotional issues through pregnancy and up to a year after birth.
Dr. Moore worked with one of the pioneers of Perinatal Psychiatry, Dr. Liz MacDonald as a trainee in London (UK), and she was inspired to pursue work in the field.
Categories: Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Perinatal Wellbeing
In this article, we would briefly discuss the importance of prenatal attachment (the emotional bond that develops between the parents and the growing fetus during pregnancy). This is an important determinant of the future parenting style and parent-infant attachment, both of which play a vital role in the future social interactions of the child. We would explore which factors can influence this unique parent-fetal relationship during pregnancy.
Before we discuss prenatal attachment/ bonding, it is important to understand some key aspects of attachment.
[Read more…] about Prenatal attachment: Can this influence future human relationships?
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.
[Read more…] about Psychological changes during pregnancy: An emotional upheaval
Categories: Baby Health Tags: SANDS, Stillbirth
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.
