Depression that occurs during pregnancy is referred to as prenatal depression or perinatal depression. Although it isn't discussed nearly as frequently as postpartum depression, research indicates that 10 to 15% of pregnant American women experience it annually. However, because many women are reluctant to report the depression symptoms they encounter during pregnancy with friends, family, doctors, or therapists, experts believe that the actual figure is considerably higher.
Prenatal depression may significantly reduce the quality of life for women and affect them at all stages of pregnancy. There are many more symptoms of this depressive illness than just the standard mood swings linked to pregnancy or the infant blues. It entails intense melancholy, worry, and a variety of other unfavourable feelings.
The good news is that prenatal depression symptoms usually respond well to therapy; thus, if you or someone you know is experiencing depression while pregnant, know that there is a cure. Knowing the causes, indications, and risk factors of prenatal depression is essential, as is becoming knowledgeable about available treatments if you see any symptoms. Read on to discover more.
Causes of Prenatal Depression
When it comes to depression's causes, experts are unsure. Most agree on one thing, though, which is that it's often not brought on by what a pregnant woman does or doesn't do.
According to the Academy of American Pediatrics, the mother's acts or inactions are not to blame for postpartum anxiety and depression or pregnant anxiety and depression. They are medical diseases that probably have a mix of environmental, physical, and emotional triggers.
Prenatal depression does seem to affect certain women more frequently than others, despite the fact that the precise causes are unknown. The likelihood of experiencing depression symptoms during pregnancy may rise as a result of the following:
Having a personal or family history of depression
Pregnancy with twins or multiple
Having a weak or nonexistent support system
Having a pregnancy that was unplanned
Having had a previous difficult pregnancy or birth experience
Signs of Prenatal Depression
Knowing the symptoms will help you identify problems early on if you feel that you or a loved one is suffering from pregnancy-related depression.
The greatest method to prevent the depression of a pregnant woman from getting worse is early and effective care. Once you are aware of the warning signs, you may begin to recognise the triggers and discover strategies to control or stay away from those who may be adding to your depression.
Prenatal depression symptoms to look out for include:
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Being exhausted
Not wanting to get out of bed
Experiencing memory issues
Having the inability to focus on a task
Frequent crying
Isolating from friends and family
Experiencing dramatic and unpredictable mood swings
Changes in eating habits (eating much more than usual, or very little)
Sudden sleeping issues (sleeping too much or not at all)
Having frequent or near-constant headaches and muscle aches
Feeling anxiety, fear, and nervousness
Poor fetal attachment (feeling disconnected from the baby
Risks and Complications
Prenatal depression can have negative effects on the mother's health as well as the health of the unborn child. For instance, eating poorly (or not at all) might lead to the mother having low energy and the infant having inadequate nourishment.
Pregnant women who are depressed may also postpone or cancel doctor appointments and, in severe situations, engage in drug and alcohol misuse. Additionally, depression during pregnancy has been associated with a number of other hazards for newborns and their delivery outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and being less active, less attentive, and angrier.
The fact that depression during pregnancy has been related to behavioural, developmental, and learning issues as well as future mental health issues for newborns is arguably the most worrisome.
Treatment for Prenatal Depression
Fortunately, there are several different types of therapy that have been shown to help lessen the symptoms of prenatal depression. Whichever is ideal for your circumstances may be determined with the aid of a healthcare professional. The best option is frequently a mix of therapies.
Therapy
One of the first therapies typically indicated for prenatal depression is psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy. While there are various types of therapy for depression available, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are both widely practised and renowned for their effectiveness.
Medication
Prenatal depression symptoms can occasionally be relieved with medication, either by itself or in conjunction with counselling and other forms of treatment. Several medicines are secure for a mother who is nursing or pregnant.
In general, it has been discovered that spravato treatment is safe before, during, and after pregnancy. You can talk to your doctor about the advantages and drawbacks of certain drugs.
Lifestyle changes and other alternative treatments
Prenatal depression can be successfully treated with lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies, either by themselves or in combination with medication or therapy. A study conducted by physicians and psychiatrists discovered various efficient strategies that can help reduce prenatal depression symptoms.
Diet: Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, has been shown to help relieve depression.
Exercise: Moderate exercise is a helpful way to manage your emotions and fight depression.
Massage: Massage therapy can be helpful in easing symptoms of prenatal depression and improving relaxation.
Self care: Taking time for yourself is always a good idea. If you’re feeling depressed during or after pregnancy, it’s even more essential that you do small things to take care of yourself.
The results of the same study suggested that complementary and alternative medicine could potentially be useful. You might want to think about experimenting with treatment resistant depression like acupuncture or bright light therapy (exposure to timed periods of strong light) (the ancient Chinese treatment that uses tiny needles on key pressure points).
Prenatal depression may progress into postpartum depression, anxiety, or even postpartum psychosis if it is not addressed. It happens far more frequently than most people think to feel depressed both during and after pregnancy. The good news is that you don't have to endure pain or be ashamed of how you're feeling.