maternal anguish
[/məˈtɜːrnəl ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/]
noun phrasefemininepl: maternal anguishes
angústia materna
1. deep emotional distress, anxiety, or suffering experienced by a mother concerning the welfare, safety, or wellbeing of her child or children
The maternal anguish in her eyes was evident as she waited for news from the hospital.
A angústia materna em seus olhos era evidente enquanto ela esperava notícias do hospital.
2. the psychological pain a mother feels when unable to protect or help her child
She experienced maternal anguish watching her son struggle with addiction.
Ela experimentou angústia materna ao ver seu filho lutar contra o vício.
This expression is commonly found in psychological, medical, and social work literature in both Brazil and the United States. In Brazilian culture, the concept of maternal sacrifice and a mother's deep emotional connection to her children is culturally significant. The phrase is often used in discussions about postpartum depression, child illness, or parental anxiety, reflecting universal concerns about motherhood across cultures.
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