Depression

Women should take good care of themselves. This is especially true when they are pregnant.  However, there are some cases when depression during pregnancy occurs. This type of depression is not uncommon and may sometimes lead to postpartum depression once the expectant mother gives birth.

Depression during pregnancy is also called “antenatal depression”.  One of the common factors of this disorder is when an expectant mother finds herself facing a lot of stress due to relationship problems be it with her family or her husband/life partner. 

Pregnant couples should talk to marriage counselors or seek help for their problems with the fath in order to eliminate the stress that a troubled relasionship is creating  and make sure they harmoniously work together so that the baby will find health, security and happiness. 

Previous miscarriages or loss of a baby may also lead to depression during pregnancy.  This is because the pregnant mother fears that the same thing may happen to the baby that she’s carrying in her womb.  Being single, young, or having an unplanned pregnancy can also cause fear and depression during pregnancy.  Fear often leads to anxiety and anxiety can’t be good for both the mother or for the baby.  Undergoing fertility treatments may also cause depression during pregnancy.  This is because the expectant woman may be worried about losing yet another baby after all the effort she has taken in making sure that she gets pregnant.  This, again, causes stress and anxiety. 

Stress at work, dealing with the difficulties dealt by life, or decision-making may also be a source of depression during pregnancy.  This is because any fear, difficulty, or change may lead to pregnant women worrying about their future and the outcomes of the decisions she makes.

The following symptoms may be used in identifying a woman who is dealing with depression during pregnancy.

The expectant mother dealing with depression during pregnancy may feel sad all the time.  They may also feel bored or lifeless.  This is because they may sometimes feel that the things they used to enjoy or have fun with aren’t that fun anymore.  This may be because they may feel that their movements are restricted or limited. 

This sadness which is felt by expectant mothers with depression during pregnancy may lead to crying fits or irritability.  This may also lead to the women feeling that they, themselves, are hopeless and inadequate.  Pregnant women that show any symptom of depression during pregnancy are advised to seek some help and counseling since talking things and feelings out with someone often results to feeling better. 

Many pregnant women feel low level of energy during their pregnancy and as amatter of fact it is concidered normal ‘especially in the first trimester but  when a pregnant woman feels tired all the time or experiences insomnia on a daily basis followed by negative feelings such as sadness it might be just another way to tell that she suffers depression during pregnancy.  Being unable to sleep is not a good thing since it may lead to complications regarding the mother and her unborn child.  Everyone needs some decent sleep and rest to be healthy, and pregnant woman is not different.

Other sign of a woman with depression during pregnancy is when the pregnant woman experiences loss of appetite and very often don’t gain the expected weight or even lose some weight.  There are also instances when a woman doesn’t feel the need to eat anything.  This situation requires immediate attention since the health of the woman’s body coincides with her unborn baby’s health.  Any sudden increase or sudden drop in weight might harm to the baby.

An expectant mother should consult with a doctor if she or those around her notice that she is showing signs of depression during pregnancy.  This condition is often remedied by using psychotherapy and taking antidepressant pills or medication.  Psychotherapy decreases depression during pregnancy because the mother is able to convey the feelings and emotions that she keeps bottled up inside.  She has the freedom to express her views and discuss her condition with a trained expert in that field. 

Certain steps can be taken to ensure that depression during pregnancy is avoided.  Talking it out with someone helps in dealing with the feelings that an expectant mother may be feeling.  Resting and relaxing can alleviate stress and pressure.  Communicating with her partner and doing certain things together as a couple can also strengthen the couple’s bond and ease any strain out of their relationship.  Sharing her thoughts with her family and friends is also a way to avoid feeling depression during pregnancy.

Any form of stress, worry, and pressure should be avoided by the expectant mother.  This is because stress may lead to depression during pregnancy which may be unhealthy for the mother and the baby in her womb.  Remember: a healthy mother equals a healthy and happy baby.