Pregnancy care: Pregnancy is the most special period of every woman’s life, but at this time even small problems increase anxiety. In today’s time, the habit of knowing the answer to every symptom on the internet has given this concern the name of cyberchondria. Even common symptoms like headache, stomach ache or fatigue are linked to serious illness when seen online. Therefore, instead of accepting incomplete or exaggerated information received from the internet as correct, consult a doctor.
What is cyberchondria?
Cyberchondria is a condition in which it is normal to become more worried about one’s illness while searching for health-related symptoms on the Internet. Even simple symptoms point towards a fatal disease. The body changes rapidly during pregnancy, so it is normal to have many new experiences.
Why does the risk increase during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, changes in the body and worries about the upcoming baby already push women towards emotional ups and downs. In such a situation, reading scary health related information or stories on the internet increases anxiety. By repeatedly searching for symptoms in different ways, the problem of stress, restlessness and insomnia starts increasing.
Not every information is correct
With the help of search engines, a long list of different causes of any symptom is prepared. But it is not completely certain what exactly a woman is suffering from. Incomplete or outdated information leads to wrong conclusions. Always share health related information only with a duster.
atmosphere of fear
Vomiting, excessive fatigue, back pain, slight strain in the stomach and frequent trips to the washroom are common during pregnancy. But in cyberchondria, these common symptoms are linked to serious illness. Due to which pregnant women repeatedly start worrying excessively about the changes taking place in their body.
impact on child
Constantly being under stress has a negative impact on the mother’s mental health. Excessive anxiety affects sleep, eating and daily activities. In such a situation, the family should come forward and cooperate, and also keep in mind that the pregnant woman should use mobile phone as little as possible.
Easy way to avoid cyberchondria
As soon as you feel any symptoms, wait for a few minutes instead of looking at the phone. It is not necessary to find answers to every physical change on the internet.
If anxiety starts increasing after watching any website or video, stop it immediately. Stay away from information that increases fear instead of calming the mind.
Write in a diary when and how you felt the change. This will make you feel comfortable in telling the doctor and will stop searching online again and again.
The experience of any woman on social media does not predict the future of your pregnancy, keep in mind that every pregnancy is different.
Instead of searching different websites for the same symptom, seek help from a doctor or a trusted medical resource.
FAQ
What is Cyberchondria?
Cyberchondria is a condition in which a person starts feeling extreme anxiety, fear and mental stress by repeatedly searching the symptoms of diseases on the internet.
Is it dangerous to search symptoms on Google during pregnancy?
Yes, searching symptoms on Google without medical advice can increase anxiety. This can affect the blood pressure and mental health of the pregnant woman, which can also affect the child.
How to stop anxiety and overthinking during pregnancy?
Reduce mobile screen time, do meditation and breathing exercises, make a symptom diary and talk to the doctor directly instead of searching the internet.
Which symptoms are normal in pregnancy?
Morning sickness (vomiting), mild back pain, fatigue, slight strain in the stomach and frequent urination are considered common symptoms during pregnancy.
When should one go to the doctor in case of cyberchondria?
If you start feeling sleepless, panic attacks, or constantly feeling scared due to internet reading, you should immediately consult your gynecologist or mental health counselor.
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