Pregnant Women More Prone to Nervous Breakdowns: Study Finds

Pregnancy, a journey that should be filled with anticipation and joy, often turns into a tug-of-war with neurasthenia for many expectant mothers. Have you ever felt exhausted, emotionally volatile, and even unable to sleep at night? In fact, you are not alone in this battle. The dual pressures of physical and mental stress during pregnancy make neurasthenia an "invisible enemy" for many expectant mothers. Today, we will unveil the mysterious connection between pregnancy and neurasthenia, exploring why pregnant women are more susceptible and how to tackle this challenge.

1. Hormonal Fluctuations: The Emotional Roller Coaster

During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body undergo dramatic changes, especially the surge in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones not only affect physical changes but also impact neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing the risk of mood swings, anxiety, and depression. It’s like riding an emotional roller coaster—expectant mothers may feel excited one moment and down the next, or even inexplicably irritable.

2. Poor Sleep Quality: The Struggle of Sleepless Nights

As the fetus develops, the physical burden on expectant mothers gradually increases, especially in the third trimester. Frequent urination, back pain, and fetal movements can all affect sleep quality. Sleep deprivation not only leads to exhaustion but also exacerbates symptoms of neurasthenia, creating a vicious cycle. Many expectant mothers find themselves extremely tired yet unable to fall asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep.

3. Psychological Pressure: Worries About the Future

During pregnancy, expectant mothers face not only physical changes but also multiple pressures from family, work, and societal roles. Concerns about the baby’s health, labor pain, postpartum recovery, and future parenting responsibilities can keep the brain in a state of constant tension, triggering neurasthenia. First-time mothers, in particular, are more prone to anxiety due to the fear of the unknown.

4. Nutritional Imbalance: The Brain’s “Energy Crisis”

The development of the fetus requires a large amount of nutrients during pregnancy. If an expectant mother’s diet is unbalanced, especially lacking in nutrients beneficial to the nervous system such as B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, it can lead to decreased brain function, resulting in symptoms like poor concentration and memory loss. These manifestations are closely related to neurasthenia and may even make expectant mothers feel like they’ve “become dumber.”

5. Social Isolation: Increased Loneliness

After becoming pregnant, many expectant mothers reduce social activities due to physical discomfort or mobility issues, and their connections with friends and colleagues may dwindle. This social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of emotional support, worsening symptoms of neurasthenia. For women who were once outgoing, this sudden “isolation from the world” can make them feel lost.

How to Deal with Neurasthenia During Pregnancy?

Although neurasthenia during pregnancy can be a headache, it’s not an unsolvable problem. Expectant mothers can alleviate symptoms through the following methods:

Pregnancy is a special journey, and neurasthenia is just a minor episode in it. By actively coping and adjusting their mindset, expectant mothers can successfully navigate this period and welcome the arrival of new life. Remember, you are not alone in this battle—your efforts and perseverance will ultimately bring abundant happiness and rewards!