Depression during pregnancy

Pregnancy is considered one of the happiest periods in a woman's life, but for many women it is a time of confusion, fear, stress and even depression. Between 14 and 23% of women experience some symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects one in four women at some point in their lives, so it's no surprise that the condition can also affect pregnant women. But too often, depression during pregnancy is misdiagnosed because people think it's just another type of hormonal imbalance.

This assumption can be dangerous for the mother and the unborn child. Depression during pregnancy is a disease that can be treated and controlled; However, it is important to seek help and support first.

What is depression during pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy or prenatal depression is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological diseases that are associated with changes in the chemical composition of the brain.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect chemicals in your brain that are directly linked to depression and anxiety. They can be exacerbated by difficult life situations that can lead to depression during pregnancy.

What are the signs of depression during pregnancy?

Women with depression usually have some of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more:

Persistent sadness
Difficulty concentrating
Sleeping too little or too much
Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy
Recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or hopelessness
Anxiety
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Change in eating habits

What are the possible triggers for depression during pregnancy?

Relationship problems
Family or personal history of depression
Infertility treatments
Previous pregnancy loss
Stressful life events
Complications in pregnancy
History of abuse or trauma

Can depression during pregnancy harm my baby?

Untreated depression can pose a potentially dangerous risk to both mother and child. Untreated depression can lead to malnutrition, alcohol use, smoking, and suicidal behavior, which can then lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems. A depressed woman often lacks the strength or desire to care for herself or her developing child.

Children born to mothers with depression may be less active, less attentive, and more restless than children born to mothers who are not depressed. That's why it's so important to get the right help for mother and baby.

How to treat depression during pregnancy?

If you feel like you're suffering from depression, the most important step is to seek help. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and difficulties. Your doctor wants the best for you and your baby and can discuss treatment options with you.

Treatment options for pregnant women may include:

Support groups
Private psychotherapy
Medication
Light therapy

Are there safe medications to treat depression during pregnancy?

There is much debate about the safety and long-term effects of antidepressants taken during pregnancy. Some research now suggests that some medications used to treat depression may be associated with problems in newborns, such as physical defects, heart problems, pulmonary hypertension, and low birth weight.

A woman with mild to moderate depression can manage her symptoms with support groups, psychotherapy, and light therapy. But if a pregnant woman is struggling with severe depression, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is usually recommended.

Women need to know that all drugs cross the placenta and reach the baby. There is not enough information about which drugs are completely safe and which have risks.

But when treating major depression, the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed. The drug that can offer the most relief with the least risk to the child should be carefully considered.

If medication seems like the best treatment for depression, creating a collaborative treatment group is the best course of action. This will include your doctor and mental health provider.

Ask two doctors which treatment is best for you and your child. Find out if you have medication options and research them.

What long term effects do they have? Can your baby experience withdrawal symptoms after birth? Has this drug been associated with health problems in newborns or developmental delays? Also, always remember that you need to balance the possibilities of future problems with problems that may arise now if your depression is not properly treated.

Are there any natural treatments for depression during pregnancy?

Because of the controversy surrounding the use of some antidepressants during pregnancy, many women are interested in other treatments for depression. As mentioned above, support groups, psychotherapy, and light therapy are alternatives to the use of medications in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.

In addition to this, you can talk to your doctor about some other natural ways to relieve depression symptoms.

Exercises. Exercise naturally increases serotonin levels and lowers cortisol levels.
Get enough rest. Lack of sleep greatly affects the ability of the body and mind to cope with daily stress and challenges. Work on creating a regular sleep schedule that allows you to go to bed and wake up at the same time.
Diet and nutrition. Many foods are associated with mood swings, the ability to cope with stress, and mental clarity. Diets high in caffeine, sugar, processed carbohydrates, artificial additives, and low in protein can lead to mental and physical health problems. Make a conscious decision to start fueling your body with foods that will help you feel better.
Acupuncture. New research suggests that acupuncture is a viable treatment option for depression in pregnant women.
Omega-3 fatty acids. It has been known for years that omega-3s can help with a number of health problems, but the most recent research suggests that taking an omega-3/fish oil supplement daily can help relieve symptoms of depression. Pregnant women should definitely take the mercury-free version of fish oil and consult their doctor or dietitian for the recommended amount.
Herbal remedies. There are a number of herbal and vitamin supplements known to affect mood and the hormone serotonin. Discuss with your doctor and nutritionist/herbalist whether to use St. John's wort, SAM-e, 5-HTP, magnesium, vitamin B6, and flower remedies. Many of these cannot be used in combination with antidepressants and their dosage for pregnant women must be evaluated.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your doctor about your feelings about depression, find someone else to talk to. It is important that someone knows what you are dealing with and can try to help you. Never try to deal with depression alone. Your child needs you to seek help and receive treatment.