For all mothers-to-be, it is absolutely natural to worry what lies ahead of their pregnancy. Although being pregnant for new mothers is a time for great joy, anticipation and excitement, some new mothers-to-be may develop fear. They would normally wonder if their baby will be ok, figuring out how they will cope with labor and wondering how they will manage when their baby is born. Over indulgence in these fears may develop into something more fearful than fear itself, panic attacks. The combination of excitement, anxiety and physical change that occur during the pregnancy can leave them feeling out of control and hence panic attacks set in.

Here husband play an extremely important part in this journey. Mothers-to-be are generally very sensitive during this stage and this is where husbands, should try to keep an eye for symptoms of panic attacks

Generally, panic attacks are intense feelings of fear or impending death or doom, that usually last about 15 minutes and would leave them extremely frightened and often exhausted. Panic attack during pregnancy usually come on very suddenly and would include a range of symptoms that husbands can watch out for, including:

1. Increased hear and breathing rates

2. Dry mouth

3. Chest pains

4. Loss of touch with reality

5. Nausea

6. Numbness or tingling in your limbs

7. Sweating

8. Diarrhea

The possibility of panic attacks can increase during pregnancy. Why is that so? Women experiences drastic hormonal changes during pregnancy and this translate to insecurity. It is this insecurity that heightens the sense of panic.

Husband should always be aware of this during the pregnancy and encourage their pregnant wife to practice breathing exercises. Husband should also watch out for hyperventilation, a sign of panic attacks. Physically hyperventilation can develop into panic attacks. Husbands should also be aware that no matter what happens during panic attacks, panics attack can and never be able to hurt the sufferer.

Breathing exercises, as mentioned, can help pregnant mothers-to-be to prevent panic attacks. The keyword here is practice.

1. First place your hand on your stomach.

2. Slowly, with each inhale through the nose, you should feel your hand pushing out.

3. Now, again slowly exhale, through your mouth, you should feel your hand pushing into your stomach. Think of it like your hand pushing the air out of your body.

Regular practice provides protection and also it makes the exercises easier when the symptoms of panic attacks arise. When you had develop the ability to slow down your breathing, you will be able to keep the symptoms at bay and the success rate of preventing a full blown panic attack is very high.

However, it is also important to continue the exercises after the baby is born. This way, you will be able to establish an effective and efficient breathing pattern that you can protect yourself from future panic attacks.