Prenatal Depression

What is it?

Antenatal depression, also known as Prenatal depression, is a form of clinical depression that can affect a woman during pregnancy, and can be a precursor to postpartum depression if not properly treated. It is estimated that 7% to 20% percent of pregnant women are affected by this condition.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Antenatal depression is classified based on a woman's symptoms. During pregnancy, a lot of changes to mood, memory, eating habits, and sleep is common. When these common traits become severe, and begin to alter one's day-to-day life, that is when it is considered to be antenatal depression. Symptoms of Antenatal depression are:

Inability to concentrate.

Difficulty remembering.

Feeling emotionally numb.

Extreme irritability.

Sleep problems that aren't related to pregnancy.

Extreme or unending fatigue

Desire to over eat, or not eat at all.

Weight loss/gain unrelated to pregnancy.

Loss of interest in sex.

A sense of dread about everything, including the pregnancy.

Feelings of failure, or guilt.

Persistent sadness.

Thoughts of suicide, or death.

Other symptoms can include the inability to get excited about the pregnancy, and/or baby, a feeling of disconnection with the baby, and an inability to form/feel a bond with the developing baby.This can drastically effect the relationship between the mother and the baby, and can drastically effect the mother's capacity for self care

CAUSES

Antenatal depression affects about one in every eight women.It's becoming more prevalent as more medical studies are being done. Antenatal depression was once thought to simply be the normal stress associated with any pregnancy, and was waved off as a common aliment. It can be caused by many factors, usually though involving aspects of the mothers personal life such as, family, economic standing, relationship status, etc. It can also be caused be hormonal and physical changes that are associated with pregnancy.

TREATMENT

Treatment for Antenatal depression poses many challenges because the baby is also affected by any treatments given to the mother. It is suggested that the emotional aspects are handled first which includes;

Taking it easy by relaxing when possible.

Spending time with your partner.

Talk about your fears & anxieties involving the pregnancy.

Manage your stress.

Counseling is highly recommended to any woman suffering from antenatal depression. It is a very effective way for the mother to express her feelings and explain in her own words what she is feeling. This is very effective in that it gives the doctors a better insight into the symptoms and their severity. In severe cases Medication can be prescribed. This is usually only done if the symptoms have proven so severe that they interfere with day-to-day life, self care, and ability to sleep.