14 May,2009 07:41 AM IST | | Kumar Saurav
Pregnant with her second child, American actress Nicole Richie has become such a chhui-mui that even TV commercials make her cry! iTALK gets behind the hormonal horrors that haunt pregnancy
Being pregnant sure makes many happy, but then, there are other mothers who just can't seem to stop crying
When it comes to the psychological front, there are numerous changes aggravated by hormonal discharge, which lead to frequent mood-swings, continual and maddening crabbiness, a disproportionate feeling of guilt and insomnia.
If you can relate to any such symptom, it's time you knocked at the doc's door, or walked into ours.
The Simple Life star Nicole Richie's hormones are acting up during her pregnancy she just can't stop crying!
Case study
She couldn't stand the smell of rice!
Who: Namrata Joshipura, mother and fashion designer
Hormonal horror: "I had this weird experience. I couldn't bear the smell of rice being cooked, it drove me out of my mind!"
How she fought it: By staying away, and eating other stuff.
Top craving: "I used to have extreme cravings for an ice-cream flavour Cherry Gracia, which wasn't available in the US, where I was during my pregnancy."
Babies hurt, and not just during delivery
Dr Neerja Mallik, Gynaecologist, Batra Hospital
The entire mental imbalance is because of the forceful release of two hormones Estrogens and Progesterone. "While the first one isn't harmful, the latter leads to slowing down of digestion, water retention and weight gain, all of which pull a woman's spirit down," she says.
Myth: It's not all about good or bad diet
Shikha Sharma, Wellness expert
Shikha Sharma dispels the biggest myth that mommy moods are all about good or bad diet. "Change in diet isn't related with hormonal modifications and resulting mood swings. It has to do with the inner self. Those expecting must practice Pranayam, because it cleanses your thought process. People around an expecting mother must understand that this is temporary.
Exercise and meditate to get over it
Dr Bhavna Burmi, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre
The mental misery due to hormonal imbalance can be subsided by participating in fun outdoor activities, exercising, humming religious chants, meditating, and constructive use of energy through hobbies. Thinking positive helps, too.
Living with a preggy relative? We have some tips:
>> Try to be as tolerant as you can. Don't retaliate.
>> Don't bring the changes to her notice.
>> Don't expect or ask for an apology.
>> Make her feel special.
>> Keep the mom to-be away from negative exposure in terms of people, TV soaps, movies and events.
Cracking the motherhood code
Pregnancy is divided into three monthly cycles, or trimesters. Here's decoding what happens in each
The First trimester
Fear: Since the risk of miscarriage is very high in the first trimester, the fear of losing the baby may create nervousness.u00a0
Recurrent emotional shifts: Sentiments vary abruptly and in excess. From smirk to tears, the shift only takes five minutes.
Anger: There is a constant release of anger at yourself and those around you.u00a0
The Second trimester
A lighter mood: By now, women get used to the changes and become a bit stable.
Weighty issues: A major cause of worry during this time is weight gain.
Insecurities around partner: Since pregnancy makes you more dependent on the partner, the women may feel ignored, unattended and worthless.u00a0
Sex is in, again: By now, the vagina regains its lubrication and blood flow to the pelvic region increases. The nausea and breast sensitivity of the first trimester is also gone by now, giving an urge to re-establish physical contact.
The Third trimesteru00a0
Anticipation: As the woman gets ready to deliver, she excessively speculates her future along with that of her baby.
Increased anxiety: The concerns about labour and delivery cause anxiety. Childbirth classes are very helpful for educating parents-to-be about what to expect.
