|
|
|
DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY |
|
Depression during pregnancy, or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry. During pregnancy hormone changes can affect brain chemicals, which is directly related to depression and anxiety. |
| |
SYMPTOMS |
 |
It's harder to concentrate |
 |
Extreme irritability or agitation or excessive crying |
 |
Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time |
 |
Extreme or never-ending fatigue |
 |
Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, every day |
 |
A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore |
 |
Inappropriate guilt or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness |
| |
DEPRESSION vs ANXIETY |
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear. The source of this uneasiness is not always known or recognized, which can add to the distress you feel. |
| |
PREVENT DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY |
Depression and anxiety are biochemical conditions, so you may not be able to avoid them altogether if you're prone to them. But taking care of yourself emotionally can help ease your symptoms and keep your spirits up. Air out your fears and worries about the future with your partner, friends, and family. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, get some exercise, and eat well. |
| |
TREATMENT |
| Treatment options for women who are pregnant can include:
|
 |
Support groups |
 |
Private psychotherapy |
 |
Medication |
 |
Light Therapy |
| |
PREGNANCY TIME PRECAUTION |
| Regular checkups of the pregnant women is very important. Your health
professional will want to follow your baby's growth and watch for
problems that can only be found by regularly checking your blood
pressure, urine, and blood.
Anything you do that harms your body harms your fetus. Take special
care to avoid tobacco smoke, alcohol and drugs, chemicals, radiation
(as from X-rays), and sources of infection.
More» |
| |
|