Depression During and After Pregnancy!

For some women pregnancy means confusion, fear, sadness, stress, and even depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects 1 in 4 women during their lifetime, so it's not surprising that pregnant women can be depressed too.

Sometimes depression is not properly diagnosed during pregnancy and is just considered to be due to hormones.

It's true that hormone changes in pregnancy can affect brain chemicals, which are directly related to depression and anxiety. But if this is worsened by other situations or worries it can result in depression during one or more stages of pregnancy.

Women with depression may experience any of these symptoms for up to two weeks at any of the stages of pregnancy:

Sadness that can't be shaken offInability to concentrateBad sleeping pattern (too much/too little)Lack of interest in pastimes usually enjoyedPersistent thoughts of death, suicide, or hopelessnessAnxiousnessFeelings guilty or worthlessPoor eating habits

Depression in pregnancy can be triggered by factors including previous pregnancy loss, stressful family life events, or history of abuse or depression.

Can it harm the baby?

There are potential risks to the mother and baby. Left untreated the condition can result in poor nutrition, excessive drinking or smoking, or in extreme cases suicidal behaviour.

It is generally agreed that women who have depression during pregnancy lack the strength and desire to care properly for themselves and their developing baby.

Babies born to depressed mothers tend to be less active, struggle to pay attention and are more irritable and agitated.

Treatment

Depression can be treated and managed.

Sufferers need to talk with their GP who may suggest support groups, psychotherapy, alternative therapies (such as acupuncture or light therapy) or medication.

Some natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of depression including exercise (which naturally increases serotonin levels) rest, diet and/or herbal remedies.

Depression after pregnancy

Postpartum mood disorders range from the mildest baby blues to postpartum depression and the very serious postpartum psychosis.

Approximately 50% to 75% of all new mothers will experience some negative feelings after giving birth. Normally baby blues occur four to five days after the birth of the baby, but disappear within a week or two. Symptoms include crying for no apparent reason, mood swings, a feeling of overwhelming helplessness and disturbed sleeping and eating patterns.

Getting as much rest as possible and having a supportive partner and family can help these symptoms seem less severe.

Approximately 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression lasting on and off up to a year. Symptoms are the same as the baby blues, sometimes more severe (including thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby) and can alternate between good and bad days.

The most serious form of post natal depression is the rare post-natal psychosis, occurring in fewer than one in 100,000 births. Similar in some ways to bi-polar disorder it may cause severe confusion, paranoia, delusional behaviour and rapid changes in mood.

Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as stages of pregnancy , giving birth, during pregnancy and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.