If you're expecting, you've already heard about postpartum depression. But did you know so many women suffer from depression during their pregnancy?
Here's what you need to learn about depression and pregnancy.
When you're pregnant, it's normal to feel emotional. However, if you are feeling stressed more than content, you might be suffering from antenatal depression.
Antenatal depression is described as depression that occurs during pregnancy. It is one of the most prevalent medical issues associated with pregnancy. It affects about 7% of pregnant women. This is higher now with the ongoing COVID pandemic with reports up to 1 out 3 women reporting perinatal depression.
Depression Symptoms During Pregnancy
It can be difficult to diagnose mood conditions during pregnancy because any signs can correlate with pregnancy symptoms, such as changes in appetite, energy levels, focus, or sleep. It's just natural to be concerned about the pregnancy's wellbeing. However, if you have chronic symptoms of depression or anxiety that prolong up to two weeks, especially if you cannot function normally, immediately seek treatment.
Depression symptoms during pregnancy include:
You may be depressed, helpless, "empty," and usually dissatisfied.
You're no longer interested in the activities you used to love.
You cry a lot.
Loss of curiosity in the world around you.
You are having difficulty recalling information, focusing, or making decisions.
You have feelings of guilt.
You are having persistent headaches, digestive problems, or other aches and pains.
A feeling of worthlessness
Insufficient energy
Inability to concentrate
Appetite shifts
Anxiety, irritability or rage
Yes, depression during pregnancy can affect both mother and the baby. Some women avoid seeking care for pregnancy depression due to stigma, fear, or guilt, or possibly because they believe their depression symptoms are "usual" pregnancy effects that will go away on their own. Depression during pregnancy increases your risk for the following:
Difficulties in childbirth
Studies indicate that untreated or inadequately treated depression may result in:
premature birth
low birth weight
potentially gestational diabetes
in extreme situations, developmental delays in the infant
Baby's developmental issues
As your baby grows older, these issues will compound. Babies with moms who were depressed during pregnancy are more likely to have developmental difficulties and social problems, including aggression.
More chances of postpartum depression
There's also the possibility that your stress will continue after your pregnancy is over. Being stressed and pregnant increases the chances of developing postpartum depression. According to a study, about a quarter of women with PPD first got depressive when pregnant.
Pregnancy Depression Treatments
Untreated depression during pregnancy may progress to postpartum depression and anxiety disorders after your child is born. The good news is that there are several recovery methods available to assist you in feeling better, such as:
Psychotherapy
It is also known as talk therapy. Talking to a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed therapist, in person or virtually, will help you navigate the difficulties of a major life transition to discover ways to cope.
Non-medication interventions will be enough for certain expectant mothers to help treat depression that is mild. This includes counseling on a weekly ongoing basis. This can also include group therapy led by a licensed specialist.
Most commonly used and most researched in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy.
Additional non-medical treatment can include:
Acupuncture.
It is a form of Chinese medicine that can trigger the release of feel-good brain chemicals such as endorphins, which can help increase the mood as well as relieve other pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness or back pain.
Rest.
Pregnancy exhaustion will exacerbate mood fluctuations, so make sure you're getting adequate rest. When possible, go to bed early, sleep long, or have naps.
Adequate nutrition.
Eat a nutrition and health diet that feeds your body, mind and soul.
Exercise.
Movement can improve mood. take a 20-30 minute walk .
Spend your time outside in nature.
It has been shown that being outdoors in nature reduces stress and depressive symptoms. So, go on a stroll in the hills, a picnic in the park, or a day at the beach.
Antidepressant medications
If you have moderate or severe depression or no improvement of mild depression, your doctor should prescribe antidepressants to manage your depression more effectively. Pregnant women have several safe choices, but the most commonly used are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as sertraline and citalopram. They are the most widely used antidepressants for expectant mothers.
Speak to your healthcare provider more about these.
Untreated depression during pregnancy can have lasting effects. it is important to recognize and get care for this medical issue during your pregnancy.
Taking action is the first step toward maintaining your mental health and feeling stronger, as well as giving you and your baby the best possible start together.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your mental health or you can schedule a virtual video consultation with our maternal mental health specialist.
As always, use our text support for any general questions.
