Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy is relatively common in about 1 in 20 expectant mothers. From mild to acute, depressive episodes in pregnant women are just as likely as they are in women who experience them months after the birth of a child. There have been more scientific studies done on women who have experienced post natal depression than those who have episodes during the pre-birth months. This has led to the wide, unsubstantiated assumption that women are more at risk for the 'blues' after child birth than before.

Most doctors attribute depression during pregnancy and afterward to converging factors that have not been completely delineated by tests or studies. The huge shift in hormonal levels that occurs when a woman conceives and that continues to occur until well after a child's birth is considered one major determining factor. Psychological factors of lifestyle changes and responsibilities are pointed to as well in causation aspects. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, or things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

Many women suffer with mild or minor episodes of depressive symptoms once in a while throughout the course of a pregnancy. However, there are about 10% of all women who experience serious symptoms which include anxiety, loss of hope, inability to sleep and loss of appetite. In these cases, it is helpful to seek out the guidance of a professional health care expert who can guide the patient as well as family members through this difficult time. For depression during pregnancy, most doctors do not prefer to subscribe antidepressants to a woman unless she is seriously a danger to herself, her unborn child or has a history of depressive disorders. Although modern medicine has now out ruled most significant health effects to an unborn baby, antidepressants are not the treatment method of choice for most doctors.

Some doctors do not want to create a dependency on the medication unless absolutely necessary. There is not as much concern in using medication for post natal depression but during this period of a woman's life, most doctors prefer to assist the patient through counseling and family support if possible. There are support groups, personal counseling and therapy that are designed to meet the needs of a mother-to-be that includes information, emotional support and family education. Many expectant mothers do well when they are assured that their feelings are not abnormal and that some of their consternation is caused by hormonal upheavals. Also, the emotional support that is gained through common sense talking to other pregnant women who are going through the same things can be helpful.

One of the most important therapeutic issues is drawing expectant fathers into these issues and helping them know how to understand, comfort and support their wives. Many times issues that are related to pre-pregnancy and post natal depression is not understood by the spouses of expectant women which adds further anxiety and pressure to those suffering from depressive episodes. It is helpful for the spouses to also understand that these episodes are not something that can be 'helped' and that serious physical and emotional changes take place in many women. A loving support system and adequate medical help and get many women back on the road to enjoying their pregnancy, newborn and subsequent motherhood. Of course there are those that suffer with particularly debilitating symptoms of depression during pregnancy and afterward that may require crisis intervention in order to protect the mother and unborn child.

Symptoms that include extreme feelings of unhappiness, inability to cope with everyday life, loss of appetite, and poor interaction with reality require immediate attention. The loss of appetite alone can harm the development of an unborn child as well as the mother's health. Also, serious emotional problems can lead to traumatic actions by unstable mothers-to-be. It is extremely important that those who are in daily interaction with anyone who exhibits these symptoms, to provide caring, careful intervention before any inadvertent harm may occur to a woman or child.

Awareness on the part of a husband, friend or family member on behalf of a trouble mother is the single factor that can make a difference in a serious problem getting worse or becoming manageable. Women who suffer from post natal depression are not always aware of how serious their own symptoms can be or feel extremely guilty over how they may feel toward their own unborn or new born child. These symptoms can be common among many who experience depressive symptoms that are related to the hormonal, personal and social upheaval during the childbearing years and can be successful dealt with through caring medical and family intervention.

Add to: File Insurance Business article Teen Photo Images