LivingNot only the physical matters: taking care of mental...
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Not only the physical matters: taking care of mental health during pregnancy is beneficial for the baby

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We know that during pregnancy it is very important to take care of ourselves and follow the recommendations on diet and physical activity, especially to prevent the appearance of possible complications before, during and after delivery.

However, taking care of mental health at this stage is also important and beneficial, because according to a new study, the psychological well-being of the mother during pregnancy has a positive effect on newborns .

The study

Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry , researchers found that a mother’s ability to manage stress during pregnancy was related to the length of her babies’ telomeres. That is, the more positive the mother’s attitude during pregnancy, the longer her children’s telomeres were at birth .

And what are telomeres? It is the name given to the ends of chromosomes, and they function as a kind of protective shield for the genetic material found within them. The shorter the telomeres, the shorter the life expectancy and the greater the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as cognitive defects.

Unlike other studies, in which the negative effects of mental health problems in pregnancy are analyzed, this one focused on seeing how resilience in mothers and having a positive mindset benefits the health of their babies , showing the importance of psychological well-being in pregnancy.

Mental health of pregnant women

As we mentioned at the beginning, taking care of emotional well-being and mental health in pregnancy is also important , and with this study we found that in addition to being good for the mother, it is also beneficial for the baby and its long-term health.

At this stage, it is important to do everything possible to have a generally calm state , maintaining low levels of stress and dedicating special time to self-care, a very necessary part in all stages of life, but even more so when we are mothers or are for being it.

Resorting to prenatal massages, practicing meditation or reading books that allow us to relax and disconnect, can help us feel positive and calm in the face of all the physical and emotional changes typical of pregnancy.

Let’s not forget that if we feel sad or anxious during pregnancy, it is important to discuss it with our doctor , because due to the hormone revolution we are experiencing, the risk of suffering from depression or anxiety at this stage could increase.

Photos | iStock
Via | News Medical
In Babies and more | Therapy is the most effective way to prevent depression during pregnancy and postpartum, The invisible work of mothers: this is how the mental load influences our emotional health

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