You might be well aware of the term ‘violence’. We hope you are. But have you come across the phenomenon of ‘violence against self-care’? AREN’T YOU?
You might be thinking what is ‘violence against self-care’?
Before explaining this, let us ask you a question.
Are you pregnant? If Yes, CONGRATULATIONS!
You are reading at the right place.
Now, we are here to tell you about something new which is of paramount importance for you.
You might have heard about modern-day violence. It is mostly regarded with violence against women, against children, or law violence, but you may be less aware of violence against self-care.
The majority of the time, men are blamed for the violence against women, but women are also to be blamed for a particular form of violence known as violence against self-care.
Yes! We are talking about you. We are talking about violence in which the culprit and victim both are the same person.
We explain here that any type of intentional or unintentional activity that prevents self-care is referred to as violence against self-care. It can take many different forms, including disregarding one’s physical or mental health, participating in self-destructive behaviors, or putting self-care activities last on one’s list of priorities. It is a straightforward idea, but it is much less highlighted.
To express it more vividly, when women end up neglecting themselves, particularly during pregnancies, it may become a serious concern for them. They standstill look after and cease the ways that are focused on their health and well-being, and which ultimately make them feel good in life. There is no problem if a woman takes care of herself and gets involved in what is healthy for her and her body during pregnancy,
But wait… what if she starts disregarding herself at such critical days of her life?
She will undoubtedly find herself on the verge of physical and mental disease, and it may be called violence against self-care.
According a research conducted on the physical and mental health of pregnant women, it is said that they are more likely to engage in this type of violence since they frequently lose their attention towards self-care and live a house-bound life. It thus grants them a variety of obstacles in the future. In such cases, many issues arise for them.
In this particular blog, we will educated you about those issue which are the consequences of violence against self-care.
Most common issues:
- Physical interruption in the body
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Social isolation
- Economic constraints
- Not spending quality life
- Unusual addictions
All these issues consolidate into the challenge of a different body and different life, which subsequently develops into postpartum troubles.
- Physical Disruption in the Body
When a pregnant woman neglects self-care, the first thing that happens is physical disruption in her body. The focus of a pregnant woman is immediately drawn to her unborn child, whether out of natural affection or emotional attachment. She largely disregards her existence. According to an article submitted to the National Library of Medicine in June 2015, most women start avoiding physical activities. In this situation, they begin to worry for their unborn, and abruptly stop physical activity which might lead to health issues. The remedy to this dilemma for her is to be properly guided. A pregnant mother might maintain her physical activity by simply doing workouts or physical activities that are beneficial to her. Physical activities should be encouraged in pregnant women to avoid unusual changes in the body. It should be made a part of public health policy. She can continue her routine lifestyle, eventually reducing the risk of being sedentary or obese. A healthy lifestyle is essential for her if she wants a healthy baby who will grow up to be a good member of society and contribute significantly to its uplift. As it can be rightly said a happy society depends on a healthy mother.
- Anxiety and Mood Swings
According to the American Pregnancy Organization, women who sit idle at home and give less time to themselves during pregnancy, are more prone to anxiety and mood swings. They don’t simply carry a kid; they also carry a lot of thoughts in their head. It leads to uneasiness and anxiety in the end. Mothers are often stressed out because they have so many things on their minds. Not taking care of oneself can frequently lead to anxiety. Neglecting your needs as a pregnant woman can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and other concerns. The majority of women read prenatal books or articles shared on different social sites that discuss pregnancy difficulties, but they frequently misinterpret them and begin condemning themselves based on the accounts in them. It brings irrelevant thoughts to mind and mislead a mommy-to-be. Overall, anxiety and mood swings must be avoided. Women must devote adequate attention to their families and avoid being alone. They should spend time with their partner in a nice setting and must hang out in all trimesters.
- Social Isolation Turns to Violence against Self-care
Moreover, self-care violence may increase as a result of social isolation during pregnancy, which can also harm self-care. Being socially isolated frequently entails lacking a support network. Women may find it difficult to deal with having a baby in the womb without the help of friends, relatives, or other family members, and it may be a more intense situation to conduct self-care or seek assistance when necessary. If they lack social connections, they may be deprived of the emotional support they require. Access to various options that help self-care, might be hampered by social isolation. Without these, women might find it difficult to cope with pressures and maintain their health during pregnancies. As a result, it could be another type of violence against self-care.
- Economic Constraints of Violence against Self-care
Adding to it, the peripartum phase is the most significant time in a woman’s life. She requires additional medical attention and financial assistance in this situation. On the other side, women are regarded as the most emotional creatures on the earth. They do care about their offspring even before their birth. Women typically begin saving for their future during pregnancy. They cease to invest in their health. According to Taylor et al., (2021), Peripartum women in the United States face financial difficulties. The first reason is that women cease working outside, and the second is that they do not invest in their health. Care for the unborn child begins, while care for the mother-to-be is delayed. This postponement in care can cause severe health issues for her in life. When she does not spend on her health, subsequently, it can be considered as violence against self-care. Ensuring that the peripartum population has ready access to perinatal services is critical. The healthcare affordability barrier shall be lifted.
- Not Spending Quality Life during Pregnancy
Furthermore, women must prioritize their health and ensure a quality life both for themselves and their fetus throughout their pregnancy. Quality of life was defined by the WHO in 1993 as “the perception that an individual has of his place in life, in the context of the culture and of the value system in which he lives, about his goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. It is a very broad concept that can be influenced in complex ways by the subject’s physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, and relationship to essential elements of their environment”. As discussed above most women constrain their financial expenses, but on the other side, living a quality life during the mentioned period is also essential. Prenatal care is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Women should look for possibilities that will make them happy and relaxed. Poor quality of life hurts pregnant mothers. They should feel at ease in their new role and rejoice at the fact that they are now mothers. It’s a time for her to spend with her loved ones and celebrate quality time. If she does not pursue this route, it will be called self-care violence.
- Unusual Addictions Lead to Less Self-care
Also, some women may develop unusual addictions during pregnancy that they have never had before. Individual differences in these desires or addictions, as well as potential influences from other causes or hormonal changes, may exist. They may get inclined towards some unusual habits for which the terminology ‘pica’ is used. Pica is a condition where individuals have an intense craving for non-food items with little to no nutritional value, such as dirt, clay, chalk, or ice. This condition can be harmful as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues. Excessive consumption of any food, drink, or medication can be detrimental to both the mother and the baby living inside. Women must be very rational in such cases. It is an issue of health that should not be jeopardized at any age. They must avoid unhealthy habits or addictions, which fall under the heading of violence against self-care.
Do I Really Need Self-care in Pregnancy?
OF COURSE! You need it.
During pregnancy, self-care is crucial. It is not a luxury sort of thing but a necessity. For the health and well-being of both you and your unborn child, taking care of yourself during pregnancy is essential. Pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally taxing period. Self-care routines can ease anxiety, encourage rest, and enhance the whole pregnancy experience.
Should I Really Carve out Time for this in my Routine?
A Big Yes!
You should really manage your routine to carve out time for your self-care. You should prioritize your own essentials and make sure that you are considering for yourself the care and attention you merit by consciously handling time efficiently in your busy schedule for self-care.
Alright! I understand. What I am Required to Do for Self-care?
Beauchamp and Childress (2001) are of the view that self-care is the phenomenon of giving yourself enough attention. Regarding this, you are required to follow these things:
- Firstly, give enough time to yourself.
- Secondly, engage in meaningful physical activities.
- Get rid of your mood swings by engaging in meaningful activities
- Fifthly, read good books daily and neglect self-judgements.
- Incorporate realistic mind
- Don’t bother with pregnancy myths
- Fourthly, avoid negative habits.
- Examine your medical fitness regularly.
- You can spend time with your children and pets, etc.
Integrating the above points into your life may get you closer to battle ‘violence against self-care’.
Conclusively, violence against self-care is a concept that every woman unknowingly disregards, yet it is fairly widespread. Pregnant women need to hold themselves accountable to their bodies. Sincere attention is required in such cases. Women must engage themselves in healthful activities rather than becoming couch potatoes. All pregnant working women must make informed decisions and understand all other possibilities to avoid unfavorable circumstances that feel like violence against self-care.