How to cope with depression and anxiety during pregnancy

 

You've probably heard about postpartum depression if you're expecting a child. Did you realize, however, that many pregnant women suffer from depression?

Pregnancy and depression: Here's What You Need to Know

What is the prevalence of depression during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be both joyful and stressful. According to research, roughly 7% of pregnant women experience depression during their pregnancy. In low- and middle-income countries, rates may be greater.

Depression is the most frequent mood illness in the general population, characterized by a persistent feeling of melancholy and loss of interest. Women are twice as likely as males to get depression, and the development of depression peaks during a woman's reproductive years.

Why does sadness during pregnancy go unnoticed so often?

Some symptoms of depression, including changes in sleep, energy level, appetite and libido is similar to symptoms of pregnancy. As a result, you or your health care provider might attribute these symptoms to your pregnancy, rather than depression.

Women might also, be reluctant to talk to their health care providers about changes in moods during pregnancy, due to the stigma associated with depression. There's also a tendency to focus more on women's physical health during pregnancy, rather than mental health.

What are the elements that put the woman at risk for depression during pregnancy?

The following are some of the risk factors for depression during pregnancy:

·       Anxiety

·       Life's pressures

·       Depression has a long history.

·       Inadequate social support

·       Pregnancy that was not planned

·       Domestic violence between intimate partners

What are the symptoms and indicators of depression while pregnant?

Depression during pregnancy presents with the same signs and symptoms as depression in the general population. However, there are a few more signs that could indicate depression during pregnancy:

·       Anxiety about your baby that is out of control

·       Low self-esteem, such as thoughts of motherhood inadequacy

·       The inability to get pleasure from normally pleasurable activities

·       Reassurance had a poor response.

·       Prenatal care is not followed properly.

·       Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use are all harmful to one's health.

·       Poor weight growth as a result of a poor or insufficient diet

·       Suicidal thoughts

According to certain studies, depressive episodes are more common in the first and third trimesters.

Why is it vital to treat depression during pregnancy? 

If you don't get help for your depression, you could not get the best prenatal care, consume the right foods for your baby, or have the energy to look after yourself. You're also more likely to have postpartum depression and have trouble bonding with your baby.

Treatment options may involve psychotherapy or medications in addition to psychotherapy, depending on the degree of your depression.

What are the guidelines for depression screening during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that at least once during pregnancy, health care practitioners assess for depression and anxiety using a standardized test. Your health care practitioner will most likely ask you questions from a standardized screening questionnaire, which includes questions about your mood and anxiety. Your responses are scored, and the sum of your scores can be used to determine whether or not you are depressed. Alternatively, your health care provider may inquire if you have felt down, depressed, or hopeless in the past month, or if you have lost interest in doing things.

There is scant evidence that prenatal depression screening and treatment improves outcomes. This could be related to differences in resources and treatment options available once depression has been recognized. Screening for depression during pregnancy, on the other hand, may give you some insight into your risk of depression and anxiety.

Don't wait for screening, if you suspect you could be depressed during your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling and work with him or her to figure out what to do next.