Causes, symptoms of prenatal depression – how to avoid it

The most important and exciting life process for a woman is, of course, pregnancy, during which many physiological and hormonal changes occur in the body.

Perhaps every pregnant woman faces prenatal depression, and asks the question – what are there methods of effective treatment for prenatal depression in pregnant women?

See also: Postpartum Depression – Fiction or Reality?

The content of the article:

Why does depression occur in the third trimester of pregnancy?

Common causes of depression in pregnant women are such factors, how

• Unwanted pregnancy.
• Depression before pregnancy.
• Severe stress and other shocks.

Antepartum depression is especially common. in the third trimester of pregnancy.

• “Maternal natural instinct” for most women means that they will take great care of their newborn child. However, due to hormonal changes, some expectant mothers torture themselves with anxious thoughts that they will not be able to be worthy mothers for their children, will not be able to adequately respond to children’s needs. It is these feelings that often become the sources of prenatal depression.
• All sorts of important events for lifethat happened during pregnancy (change of place of work, death of a dear person, change of place of residence) can have a significant impact on mood.
• Negative feelings and fear the repetition of a negative event that has ever happened can cause thoughts of having a dead baby, problems with conception, or thoughts of miscarriage. And this is a normal reaction for the female body.
• Occur in the development of prenatal depression and all kinds of past violence (sexual, physical, emotional).

A special role in such a situation is played by emotional supportwhich relatives provide to pregnant women. The expectant mother in the antenatal clinic is always checked for prenatal problems, but after all, almost no one is interested in the emotional state, and does not ask how a woman copes with negative feelings.

Symptoms of Prenatal Depression – Do You Have It?

Every pregnant woman has her own life experience, but common features have already emerged. These are emotional and physical changes that are associated with a certain period (trimester) of pregnancy:

• Irritability.
• Hypersensitivity.
• Feelings of anxiety.
• Mood instability.

Each expectant mother can decide for herself Does she suffer from prenatal depression? by the presence of the following symptoms:

• Guilt.
• Great fatigue.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Sad and tearful mood.
• Absent-mindedness and difficulty in memorizing information.
• Emotional emptiness.
• Loss of interest in sex.
• Troubled sleep not related to pregnancy.
• Thoughts of suicide or death.
• Weight loss, or vice versa, excessive obesity.
• Unwillingness to eat in public or constant desire to eat.
• Excessive irritability.
• Anxiety about future motherhood or pregnancy itself.

Prenatal depression can manifest itself in any period of pregnancy… Some mothers experience depression in the first trimester of pregnancy, while others succumb to this “illness” just before childbirth. More often women suffer, in life prone to depressive conditions.

After the birth of the “little miracle”, on a positive note, the depression that torments a woman during pregnancy can quickly dissolve. Only some of the fairer sex prenatal depression can progress to postpartum depression…

As statistics show, the majority of women who suffer from prenatal depression are mothers expecting their first child…

Effective treatments for depression in expectant mothers

• An excellent way to release negative feelings and a great source of help can be keeping a personal diary…
  
• For the mom-to-be, a sense of serenity will help to achieve meditation to calm pleasant music in a quiet, cozy room with soft lighting. You can attend yoga classes.
• Practice positive thinking… A pregnant woman can create in her head a positive scenario for a future happy life with her child in a full-fledged family.
  
• Communication with people. Most of all, pregnant women need human interaction. A woman should tell her friends and family about her inner state, thoughts, feelings. The expectant mother must be heard.
• Leading an active lifestyle… Gentle walks in the fresh air, eating healthy foods, and exercising in the morning are very beneficial for pregnant women. Movement can distract from unpleasant thoughts, refresh and invigorate.
• In case of a complex depressive state, the doctor will offer to go through antidepressant treatment, the safest for the health of the baby.
  

And after the birth of the baby?

Prenatal depression may not necessarily develop into postpartum depression, but approximately fifty percent of women who have severe prenatal depression do suffer from postpartum depression…

The risk of developing it can be reduced by correct therapy during pregnancy… Establishing contact with your doctor, friends, and close family members can help ease the postpartum period.

What do you know about prenatal depression and how to deal with it? Your opinion is very important for us!