Anxiety and the Pregnant Body
Physiological changes
Hormones, blood sugar levels, and brain chemicals are constantly changing during pregnancy. There is also not a consistent relationship between pregnancy and anxiety: some women experience more anxiety while others experience less. Because of the complexity involved, we need more research to clarify the relationship between these changes during pregnancy and their possible impact on anxiety levels.
Abdominal discomfort and nausea
During your first trimester, frequent worries and anxious feelings may contribute to stomach aches. This, in turn, can increase nausea and vomiting (on top of the morning sickness you may already be experiencing).
Changes in blood circulation and breathing
As pregnancy progresses, the heart has more work to do, pumping an increased amount of blood. As the baby grows and takes up more space, constricted lungs can make it difficult to catch your breath. For some women this sensation can be anxiety-provoking.
Feelings of dizziness or panic
Even mild to moderate physical activity such as climbing a flight of stairs can significantly increase heart rate. For some, this combination of rapid breathing, dizziness, and increased heart rate can mimic feelings of a panic attack.
