What is Depression?
Depression is a medical condition that causes nervousness and upsets well-being of a person. Extreme mood swings tend towards negative feelings and result in non-participation of daily activities.
Depression and Pregnancy
According to medical survey, nearly thirteen percent of women go through a feeling of downheartedness during pregnancy. At this time abundant changes in hormones has a direct effect on chemicals situated in brain and these lead to depression. Some important signs of depression during pregnancy are as follows:-
- When eating habits of a woman changes
- If guilt feeling persists
- Anxiousness
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Extreme changes in sleeping pattern like sleeping for very limited time or for a longer than normal period
- Lack of concentration
- Crying at the drop of a hat
- Extreme weight loss
- Extreme weight gain
- Lack of appetite or even overeating
- Usage of alcohol, drugs or tobacco
Causes of Depression While Pregnant
Causes of depression during pregnancy are different for every female and they may be because of following reasons-
- Changes in hormones can create havoc amongst emotions of a woman
- If patient has a history of depression then symptoms may carry forward during pregnancy
- When a pregnant woman is having history of depression in her family, risk during pregnancy increases
- If a patient is suffering from thyroid then thyroid hormones can lead to depression
- Financial worries tend to create depression amongst many females as a new addition brings extra expenses
- Physical discomfort because of pain and morning sickness starts taking a toll on well-being of a female. Coping with them regularly results in feelings of depression
- New arrival tends to change equations and this feeling may result in anxiousness and later depression
- If a woman has earlier faced a difficult birth or pregnancy then anxiety is common and it can cause depression
- Earlier miscarriage can also create traumatic feelings
Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy
Treatment of depression during pregnancy is possible through medical assistance and lifestyle changes. Until and unless depression reaches a certain point that will prove harmful for baby and mother doctor do not advice oral consumption of medicines. It is better to go for following lifestyle changes:-
- Rest as much as possible – In order to provide relief to body from restlessness it is necessary to take proper care of sleep through enough rest
- Spending outdoor time – Nature has calming effect on a person. Taking walks and having picnics tend to reduce tension and despair as mood is freshened
- Putting excessive workload on hold – If some work gives a feeling of too much work then it is sensible to avoid it so that anxiousness remains at bay
- Eating healthy – Pregnancy requires eating balanced and healthy diet. Regular and evenly stretched meals keep a check on excessive hormonal changes thus keeping depression away.
- Avoiding excessive sugar contents, alcohol, caffeine can help in dealing with depression
- Exercise – Physical activities at regular intervals stabilizes mood and treats anxiousness with positivity
- Spending quality time – Visiting family members and friends rejuvenates the mind and mood
- Avoid dramatic changes – Dodging unnecessary stress is sensible at this time
- Discussion of feelings – Speaking with the intention of clearing up issues will take away dejected feelings
- Joining groups – Making time for linking with support groups is a positive endeavor that will help in positive spirits
