Are you trying to cope with an unexpected pregnancy and struggling with chronic feelings of tension? Chances are, when you first saw the positive result on your home pregnancy test, your body’s reaction was sharp and swift. Maybe your heart began to pound inside your chest and it felt like the breath had been knocked out of you. While your breathing and heart rate have probably recovered somewhat since that moment, ongoing stressful circumstances can naturally put ongoing stress on the body. Perhaps your unexpected pregnancy feels like an ever-present danger that you constantly have to defend against. If this has been your experience, the relentless mental and physical strain may be starting to impact your health and your ability to make calm, carefully measured decisions.
At Avenue Women’s Center, your holistic wellness is our first priority. We’re a limited medical clinic with five locations in Chicagoland. We offer free first-step pregnancy services and referrals, so you can access reliable information about your pregnancy while learning about all the options available to you. Our expert staff believes that everyone is fully capable of making her own best pregnancy decision, so we strive to help each person we meet step into the future feeling informed and empowered.
Learn more about our confidential services, including medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds!
Understanding the Fight or Flight Response
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress triggers a reaction from every major system of the body. When your brain perceives a possible threat, your blood vessels expand, more blood is pumped to your heart and large muscles, and your heart rate and blood pressure increase. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are also released (APA). These and other physical changes are your body’s way of preparing you to defend yourself or run away from a possible threat (fight or flee).
Fight or Flight: Benefits and Setbacks
Your automatic response to stress is designed to keep you safe by directing energy to parts of your body that you rely on the most to protect yourself. The fight or flight response can be not only useful, but life-saving when you’re facing physical danger. But the same reaction can be triggered by all kinds of stressors that require other kinds of solutions. An unexpected pregnancy is a perfect example of this. Fighting or running away (in a literal sense) wouldn’t be helpful or appropriate responses to getting a positive pregnancy test result, but your body is likely to gear up for a physical struggle anyway. When the feeling of being threatened doesn’t go away and the body doesn’t return to a normal state, this can negatively impact your health over time (Psychology Today).
Tips for Neutralizing a Long-Term Fight or Flight Response
Do you think that your pregnancy situation is triggering a drawn-out fight or flight response? An unexpected pregnancy is an especially complex kind of challenge. It very much relates to your physical health, but it goes beyond the physical, and requires a longer and more thoughtful problem-solving process. As you take the time that you need to evaluate your next steps, you may feel as though you’re constantly under threat. Maybe you’re noticing that this lasting tension is harming your physical health or even your decision-making abilities.
Consider these tips from Psychology Today to ease your body out of panic mode. This can help safeguard your health and equip you to navigate the road ahead.
Breathe
During the fight or flight response, your nervous system will cause your breathing rate to accelerate. You can neutralize this reaction by taking slow, deep breaths from the abdomen.
Accept
Worrying about the fight or flight response itself can increase your anxiety and prolong the effects. When you realize that you’re having a fight or flight reaction, you can actually lessen your symptoms by accepting them as normal.
Move
Exercise has been proven by research to lessen anxiety, although there is some debate among experts concerning the reason(s) for this.
Find the cognitive-behavioral connection.
Learn how to recognize when you’re experiencing a fight or flight response, and consider your reaction to “fight” or “flee.” Assess whether or not this response would be helpful within your specific context.
If you’re worried that your stress is affecting your decision-making, or you’re just tired of feeling constantly on the verge of panic, know that it’s possible to counteract these effects and make a calm, rational pregnancy choice that you feel at peace with. Avenue is here to help you take steps in this healthy direction. We provide a safe space to process your circumstances. Learn about the paths available to you so you can find your best way forward. When you reach out to us, we promise you’ll be met with unconditional warmth and compassion.
Reach out to learn more about us and schedule a visit!
_______________
References:
- American Psychological Association. (2023, March). Stress effects on the body. Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
- Psychology Today. (2023, August). Soothe Your Fight or Flight Response. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202302/soothe-your-fight-or-flight-response
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.