IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is an exciting & gratifying journey for the parents, yet it can also be a time filled with uncertainty and anxiety. The physical transformations and the emotional fluctuations driven by hormones often bring about unforeseen challenges.
Supporting someone through pregnancy requires a blend of emotional, practical, and social support from various circles of their life. By fostering a supportive environment, the overall pregnancy experience is improved, leading to better health for both the mother and the baby.
WHAT IS SOCIAL SUPPORT IN PREGNANCY?
Social support during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. It provides emotional reassurance, practical assistance, and reduces stress, which can positively impact pregnancy outcomes.
Support from partners, family, and friends helps pregnant individuals navigate physical and emotional changes, fosters a sense of security, and can alleviate feelings of isolation. Effective support systems also encourage adherence to prenatal care, enhance mental well-being, and strengthen coping strategies.
HOW TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO A PREGNANT LADY?
Husband: Be emotionally present and actively participate in the pregnancy journey. Attend prenatal appointments, listen empathetically to concerns, and offer physical and emotional support. Help with daily tasks and provide reassurance during this transformative time.
Family Members: Be supportive by offering both emotional encouragement and practical help. This could include helping with household tasks, shopping for baby essentials, or simply being there to listen. Celebrate milestones and achievements, and provide a sense of stability and care.
Friends: Offer emotional support and companionship. Celebrate the pregnancy with thoughtful gestures like planning a baby shower or providing a meal. Be attentive and available, offering to assist with errands or provide company. Respect their privacy and avoid giving unsolicited advice, focusing instead on being a supportive presence.
In all interactions, maintaining open communication, showing empathy, and providing a non-judgmental space are crucial. Ensuring that the pregnant individual feels supported and understood by those around her, creates a positive and nurturing environment during this significant life stage.
WHY IS SUPPORT IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY?
Social support during pregnancy is vital for both maternal and fetal health. A research in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth reveals that around 25% of pregnant Australian women experience depression and 20% face anxiety, with those lacking social support at higher risk. Screening for low support and offering community-based services could improve outcomes. The study involved 493 women and was funded by the Australian Government. Without social support, pregnancy can be significantly more challenging and stressful. The lack of emotional and practical help can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation in the pregnant individual. This stress can negatively impact both maternal health and the developing baby.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
It has been proven that a supportive environment contributes significantly to the overall health of the pregnant female. The development of a healthy baby depends upon the physical and mental well-being of a woman carrying the child inside her womb. As the environment is created by the people & situations around us, the significance of social support cannot be denied. Emotional, practical, and social assistance from partners, family, and friends alleviates stress, enhances well-being, and promotes healthier pregnancy outcomes.
High levels of stress in pregnancy is linked with preterm labor, low birth weight, and developmental issues in infants. Such children are more likely to develop mental health problems, fundamentally the poor emotional regulation in adult life. In a general sense, the absence of practical assistance can also strain the mother’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and regular prenatal care, further compromising the baby's health.
To sum up, a supportive network is crucial for ensuring a healthier, more positive pregnancy experience and optimizing outcomes for both the mother and baby.
RESOURCES:
1. The importance of social support during pregnancy. (2024, February 12). University of Technology Sydney.
https://www.uts.edu.au/news/health-science/importance-social-support-during-pregnancy
2. Al-Mutawtah, M., Campbell, E., Kubis, H., & Erjavec, M. (2023). Women’s experiences of social support during pregnancy: a qualitative systematic review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06089- 0
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-news-blogs/pregnancy-news-blogs-being-pregnant/importance-social-support
Written By:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology
On September 14, 2024
