Anxiety is an emotional state of having a feeling of discomfort and nervousness. Many women experience axiety attacks during pregnancy and most usually have a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) due to physical distress and obsessive worry.
When women have difficulty with pregnancy and anxiety medications become their relief, they are putting their baby at a high risk. Taking anti-anxiety medications almost often causes problems in the unborn child.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MOAIs)and other mood stabilizers have been known to increase the risk of heart defects in the fetus and pulmonary infections on the newborn, as well as low muscle tome and othr birth defects. Benzodiazephines were also proven to result to a cleft palate and cleft lip.
Pregnancy and anxiety medication is rarely a good combination. Although there may be some disputes about the effects of drug in pregnant women, it is always safe not to take them at all if the anxiety can still be controlled and managed through alternative methods. As always, pregnant women should talk to their physicians to discuss her situation. The doctor will be able to suggest other remedies for her anxiety attacks. If not then the physician can prescribe a much lower dosage .It is very important that the pregnant women avoid self-medication as she may be putting her baby at a high risk of defects, and sometimes risking her safety, too.
It is important for women to take the best precaution if they are experiencing anxiety attacks during pregnancy and anxiety medication should not be an alternative. Herbal medication may be taken, but as in prescription drugs they should also be taken with care and consultation with the physician.
A more natural approach should be considered by a woman suffering from anxiety attacks during pregnancy. There is consideration on her diet, exercise programs and non-medicinal therapies available which are safe and healthy for both the mother and the baby.
