Parenting – Prenatal Depression
Do we know that during pregnancy, one can contact with depression? I don’t think many come to realize it or know about it. I don’t. I just learned about it too.
What you don’t know is fine. What you need to do about it when you know what you don’t know is to learn more about it. While it is easier to throw it off by claiming for the hormonal changes, should the husband to look into it. What are the factors that contribute to depression during pregnancy? Apart from hormonal changes, sometimes stress of the pregnancy itself contributes that too. Besides, the unplanned pregnancy will also cause the depression especially life itself is tough enough.
Some of the symptoms of depression:-
* An inability to enjoy life
* Crying spells or tearfulness
* Disrupted sleep (or sleeping too much)
* Increased or decreased appetite
* Decreased energy
* Impaired concentration
* Thoughts of suicide or not wanting to live
* Low self-esteem
* Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
* Anxiety
* Feelings or guilt or worthlessness
And who are those that are vulnerable?
* Prior history of depression
* Low income
* Physical or chemical changes (such as having low levels of serotonin, the brain chemical that controls mood)
* A history of abuse
* Complicated pregnancies and/or miscarriages
* Poor partner support
* Troubles handling stress, either personal or professional
The real problem with depression in pregnancy can have a negative impact on good prenatal care, particularly in the areas of nutrition, sleep habits, exercise and following care instructions from the doctor or midwife. Substance abuse, including alcohol and cigarette smoking, also tends to be higher in pregnant women who report depression. There are also the factors that we commonly think of as risks for prenatal depression such as a higher risk of suicide.
How to overcome this?
- Partner support
- Other support network
Maybe it’s time to watch The Back-up Plan?
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