Contents
Introduction
Stress and depression during pregnancy is common but we can still avoid it in some cases. But it is normal to have all those emotions and moods swing. There are days a woman goes through every possible emotions – about the health and well being of the baby, of hospital and health-care experiences and impending childbirth and its aftermath.
However, if it this period prolonged in your pregnancy its unhealthy for the mother and the baby. Moreover, it worsen pregnancy symptoms like trouble sleeping, body aches and in some even to larger problems such as high blood pressure, depression, less weight or weight gain. Therefore, it is important to reach out to your health-care provider.
Depression is a condition that affects your emotions and mental health. pregnancy depression are categorise into- Perinatal depression which occurs during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. And Postpartum depression which similarly happens after the pregnancy.
Cause of pregnancy stress and depression
It is exactly not known as to why depression occurs or what causes it to happen but it maybe due to hormonal changes or chemical changing in the brain. Sometimes hormone can affect the part of brain that controls emotion and mood. And sometimes it is due to the following risk factor given below.
Risk factors for depression during pregnancy.
- Having poor social support
- Intimate partner violence or experiencing marital conflict.
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Having a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Age during the time of pregnancy. The younger the age the higher the risk.
Signs/ symptoms of depression during pregnancy
It is often difficult to diagnose prenatal depression as it is very similar to normal pregnancy symptoms which includes – sleeping problem, appetite change, anxiety, moods swings, inability to concentrate. [s] However, if these symptoms crosses from normal to excess its important to seek medical help. Those symptoms include –
- Sad, hopeless, restless, indifferent or depressed mood
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Weight loss or abnormal weight gain
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Having trouble thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself, death or suicide
- Missing prenatal visits or not following medical instructions
- Using harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs
Effects of depression during pregnancy
Anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnancy can cause adverse effects for both the mother and the child. [s] Here are some of the common adverse outcomes:
- Anxiety in pregnancy is associated with shorter gestation or possibly gestational diabetes.
- It has adverse implications for neurodevelopment and child outcomes.
- It causes low birth weight infants
- consequences of infant developmental delays.
- Lead to preterm birth
- Greater risk of learning delays and emotional issues.
- Higher risk of using harmful substances
- Inability to take care ones own health properly.
- Untreated depression can also led to a higher risk of postpartum depression
Measures to avoid stress and depression during pregnancy
Here are some tips and measures that you can take to avoid stress and depression during pregnancy. Read them through and make sure to use them to help yourself.
Exercise
Incorporating some body movement into your activities is good for you and your mental health as well. Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins which will helps to improve your moods and even relieve symptoms of anxiety.
Talk about your mental health
Try sharing your feeling or worries with someone else– maybe a friend, your partner, family or other pregnant or new mothers. It help to take the weight off your shoulder and can relate to your situations or feelings you are going through. Sometimes talking might even brings out solutions and useful advice and tips. If your stress level is at its peak try to talk to your health-care provider.
Spend time with family and friends
Make time to visit family and friends and be alone with your partner it will ease up your thoughts and mind. And help you feel closer and boost your mental health.
Eat a balance diet
Regular snacks and meal can keep your blood sugar up keeping your mood stable. Therefore, get good mix of healthy foods and plenty of water. It will ensure nutrients to your baby and you needed, makes you feel good and strong, physically and mentally. Remember to take prenatal vitamins.
Rest as much as you can
Pregnancy fatigue can intensify your moods swings so make sure to get enough rest. Your body is going through a lot and not getting enough rest can elevate the stress level. Try to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep at night and take afternoon naps as well. If you are struggling with getting enough sleep get help from your health care provider. Read, the basic Baby Care Tips for New Moms!
Put your chores on hold
Cut down your chores and do things that will you relax. Resist the urge to get everything done. If there are lot to-do on your list crossed it off and asked the help of your partner or family members.
Opt for Light therapy
Light therapy also knows as phototherapy which involve spending time by a high intensity bright light lamp to increase the level of your mood-regulating hormone in the brain as called serotonin.
Use of Antidepressants
If the symptom of pregnancy depression is severe you can use antidepressants but only under the advice of a doctor or a care provider. Some of the antidepressants for mom-to-be includes– selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, Tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Conclusion
If you are not finding rest form stress and depression from making all this changes, try seeking healthy care provider advice or referral for a mental health professionals.
Anxiety, stress and depression is common and normal doesn’t mean it should never go untreated or under treated. Because it has a high change of getting pro-depression. And having said that it hampers you to be healthy mother and even making you lack as a mother in looking after your child properly. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends screening women at least once for depression and anxiety either shortly before or after birth, so some providers might not screen during pregnancy.
As the saying goes prevention is better than cure! Take preventive measures to avoid stress and depression during pregnancy. It is better to keep in keep in check your health conditions as well as mental health conditions for healthy and happy childbirth.
