There’s nothing more beautiful than the miracle of life. But before parents are holding a tiny infant in their arms in the hospital, someone will have to experience the joy of pregnancy. Morning sickness, intense cravings, swollen feet, fatigue and needing to use the bathroom every hour are only a handful of the symptoms moms get to enjoy before giving birth.
But pregnancy is capable of causing more than purely physical symptoms. One man recentlyreached outto Reddit asking for advice, as his wife’s behavior has become concerning since she got pregnant. Below, you’ll find the full story, as well as some of the replies invested readers left him.
Pregnancy can be an extremely stressful time for anyone
Image credits:Prostock-studio / Envato (not the actual photo)
But after noticing some bizarre behavior from his wife, this man is wondering if he should intervene
Image credits:Large-Proposal6327
Later, the concerned husband responded to a few readers and shared some more background information
Pregnancy comes with a long list of physical and mental symptoms
When a couple learns that they’ve got a little bun in the oven, they are likely overwhelmed with excitement. They have less than 9 months to plan, prepare and get ready to invite a tiny new member into their family. As far as thesymptomsthat pregnant women experience go, we all know the obvious, physical ones: nausea and perhaps vomiting, increased urination, fatigue, food aversions and cravings, back pain and more.
But there are plenty of symptoms we can’t see with our own eyes that pregnant women experience as well. Due to the rapid hormone changes and all of the upcoming changes to a woman’s life,Better Healthnotes that it’s expected for pregnant women to have mood swings as early as the first trimester.
Many women struggle with depression and anxiety while pregnant
Image credits:natanavo / Entavo (not the actual photo)
Because of all of the changes pregnant women experience, to their bodies and their lives, it’s important that they prioritize their mental health. According to theMGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, between 10-15% of women experience clinically significant depressive symptoms while pregnant, and up to 20% struggle with mood or anxiety disorders during their pregnancies.
It’s crucial for expecting mothers to prioritize their mental health
Image credits:YuriArcursPeopleimages / Envato (not the actual photo)
As far as how women can be sure to prioritize their mental health during pregnancy,Better Healthrecommends ensuring that they get adequate sleep, find time each week to do something they enjoy, allow family and friends to help, continue to exercise and eat well. And, of course, it’s always wise to seek guidance from a mental health professional and have someone to talk to.
Some experts even believe that psychotherapy should be a requirement for expecting mothers. “We could add mental health care to routine prenatal care,” associate professor of psychiatry and obstetrics from Columbia University, Catherine Monk, toldThe Washington Post. “Let’s start earlier in pregnancy to prevent these depressions, and help women be physically, mentally and emotionally as healthy as possible.”
Concerned readers were quick to share their thoughts, along with advice for the couple
You May Like“AITA For Banning My Husband From All Doctor Appointments After He Repeatedly Messes With Me?”Viktorija OšikaitėCoworker Is Obsessed With Married Man, Tries To Get Close To His Wife, She’s HorrifiedRūta Zumbrickaitė16YO Gets Pregnant So Stepmom Takes Away Her Education Funding, Husband Is Less Than HappyMonika Pašukonytė
Viktorija Ošikaitė
Rūta Zumbrickaitė
Monika Pašukonytė
Relationships
