What is pregnancy depression?

Pregnancy depression

 Pregnancy depression is one of the mood disorders that may affect women during pregnancy, and mood disorders are biological diseases that lead to changes in brain chemistry, in this context, it is indicated that pregnant women may feel sad, stressed, and fearful every now and then, which is very normal, but the continuation of these symptoms for two weeks or more requires the review of the competent doctor, such cases may be diagnosed with depression pregnancy, and if leaving pregnancy depression untreated causes problems At the level of maternal health and fetus, pregnancy depression is a fairly common problem. Pregnancy depression is a common disorder in pregnant women; according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 14-23% of pregnant women suffer from depression during pregnancy, Taking into account the presence of several cases that have not been diagnosed with depression during pregnancy due to women ignoring symptoms and considering them as part of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. It should be noted that pregnancy depression may persist even a year after birth, as perinatal Depression is known as perinatal depression. 

Symptoms and signs of pregnancy depression 

It is normal for a pregnant woman to feel sad or anxious as we have shown, but the continued onset of symptoms requires a doctor's review, especially if other symptoms appear beside the grief, such as Sleep disorders including excessive sleep. Loss of pleasure and desire to engage in favorite activities and hobbies. Self-marginalization and under-neglect may result in neglect of medical advice and recommendations for pregnancy care. Not feeling a desire for pregnancy, and not feeling an emotional relationship between a pregnant woman and her child after birth. Isolation and withdrawal from various social activities. loneliness and despair. lack of self-confidence. Increase or anorexia and other disorders associated with dietary habits. Panic attacks. Feeling constant sadness. repeated crying. Strained personal relationships. anger without a clear reason for it. Think about death or suicide. Headaches or stomach pain and other physical symptoms. 

Cases that require a doctor's review 

The pregnant woman should go to the doctor as soon as possible if she has ideas about harming herself or the unborn fetus, and the following other cases require an immediate visit to the doctor: Symptoms of depression persist for more than two weeks. Symptoms of depression worsen over time. Inability to take care of yourself or perform daily tasks.

Causes and risk factors of pregnancy depression 

Women who have suffered from depression before pregnancy are more likely to develop depression, but many women develop depression for the first time during pregnancy, pregnant women are attributable to pregnancy-related hormonal and psychological changes, in addition to several factors that increase a woman's risk of developing gestational depression, including A family history of depression. Different life pressures, such as the death of a confidant. Lack of family and friends support for women during pregnancy. Personal problems, such as marital problems or financial problems. Exposure to violence. Smoking and alcoholism. Unplanned pregnancy. Excessive anxiety and fear about pregnancy difficulties. Exposure to abortion in a previous pregnancy. A woman's young age, where the risk of developing gestational depression increases the younger a pregnant woman is.

The effect of pregnancy depression on your child

Depression can affect a mother's ability to properly care for herself or her child, and if not treated, pregnancy depression can cause many health problems in the mother and child; it can lead to malnutrition, suicidal or alcoholic thinking, or smoking, which in turn may lead to premature birth, low child weight at birth, problems in the child's development and development, in addition, it has been observed that children born to mothers with untreated depression are less active and more violent than their peers, Untreated depression during pregnancy also increases a woman's risk of postpartum depression, as this negatively affects the mother's relationship with her child and the maternity bond between them, This is evident by the mother's distance from caring for or playing with her child, the child's constant crying, and his sleep disorder.

Treatment of pregnancy depression

A pregnant woman with pregnancy depression should see her doctor in the first place, the doctor may perform some blood tests, to make sure that other diseases similar to those of depression, such as Anaemia and thyroid disease, and after ensuring that these symptoms are due to depression, the doctor determines appropriate treatment based on the severity of depression; in cases of simple and moderate depression, the doctor resorts to psychotherapy. Psychological Treatment, in cases of severe depression, usually resorts to antidepressants. These and other treatments used for pregnancy depression can be outlined in short as follows:

Psychotherapy: This type of treatment is centered around the pregnant woman sharing her thoughts, feelings, and fears with the competent doctor during the session, and psychotherapy includes two types:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Through which a pregnant woman with the help of a doctor can identify negative thoughts and develop a plan to confront and get rid of them, in addition, the doctor through cognitive behavioral therapy provides the support that the pregnant woman needs.
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy: This type of treatment focuses on the relationship of the pregnant woman with the people around her, providing psychological support to her, helping her solve the problems she faces, and setting her own goals.

Drug therapy: These drugs are the most common treatment option for depression, and the doctor should discuss the benefits and risks associated with antidepressants that are reflected in both the mother and her fetus and therefore prescribe one of them, and it should be noted that if the pregnant woman is taking antidepressant medications before pregnancy, you should see the competent doctor as soon as the pregnancy occurs to determine the appropriate medications that help control the condition and reduce its complications.

Phototherapy: Light Therapy is based on the use of a lamp containing a certain type of radiation, so that the holder is exposed to the light from it during the treatment session, which ranges from one to two hours each morning, and phototherapy can lead to some side effects, such as eye strain, headache, and sleep disorder if treated late in the day.

Brain Stimulation Therapies, including electroconvulsive therapy, which relies on the principle of passing electrical currents through the brain to stimulate a seizure, leading to changes in brain chemistry, which in turn relieves symptoms of depression, this type of treatment are considered safe during pregnancy, and the doctor may resort to it if the pregnant woman suffers from severe depression, or if the pregnant woman does not suffer from severe depression. The ability to take antidepressants during pregnancy.

To learn more about the treatment of depression in pregnant women, read the following article: (How to get rid of pregnancy depression).

Tips for preventing pregnancy depression

There are many tips that a pregnant woman can follow to reduce the chance of developing depression, including Moderate exercises, such as walking or swimming. Eat enough food to suit your body's needs and make sure you don't skip any major meals during the day. Drink enough water throughout the day. Stay away from everything that causes or increases stress. Get enough rest. Take a nap during the day and relax when feeling tired. Seek support and assistance from family and friends when doing housework and more. Share thoughts, feelings, and fears with close people and a competent doctor.