Pregnancy is often portrayed as being a happy time in films and
the media, but the reality does not always match up to this. Hormone
changes, the overwhelming feelings of such a life changing situation and
the sickness, tiredness and discomfort can all add up to create a lot
of stress and misery. For some pregnant women, estimated to be around 1
in 7, this will go beyond occasional periods of feeling down or stressed
and become a clinical disorder.
Depression is the mood disorder most associated with pregnancy. People with a history of the illness are likely to suffer a relapse during their pregnancy unless receiving the proper medical care and support. It is particularly important to speak to your family doctor as soon as you start trying for a baby if you are already taking anti-depressants as many medications pose a low to moderate risk to the unborn child.
Anxiety disorders are also more common among pregnant women. Fears most commonly relate to the health of the baby or the pain of labour, and worries about whether they will be able to cope with the demands of parenting. Women are also at increased risk of suffering a panic attack or developing a panic disorder during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester when the HCG levels are increasing so rapidly.
Pregnant women are often afraid to seek medical help if they develop depression or anxiety as they fear, wrongly, that people will judge them as being mentally unfit to be a parent. But it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible for the sake of both the mother and the child. Hormonal changes after the birth, as well as factors such as the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn, can tip mild depression or anxiety into a much more serious mental illness. It is also in the baby's interest for the mother to seek treatment as studies have linked anxiety and depression during pregnancy to an increased risk of low birth weight babies, premature labour and the child developing mental health problems in later life.
There are a variety of treatment options available. The first is medication. Your family doctor can prescribe a drug which carries a low risk to the unborn child, but unless the depression or anxiety is severe it is usually best to seek out alternative treatments. Natural remedies should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding.
The most effective treatment is counselling or cognitive behaviour therapy. This tackles the root of the problem rather than just relieving the symptoms, and there is no risk of unpleasant side effects or harm to the baby. Your doctor will be able to arrange this for you, although availability and waiting lists will depend on where you live.
Positive life style changes such as eating healthily and taking moderate exercise are beneficial as they have mood boosting properties. Anything that promotes relaxation, such as meditation, pregnancy yoga or even just making time for a favourite hobby are also essential to relieve stress, and help overcome the disorder.
Depression is the mood disorder most associated with pregnancy. People with a history of the illness are likely to suffer a relapse during their pregnancy unless receiving the proper medical care and support. It is particularly important to speak to your family doctor as soon as you start trying for a baby if you are already taking anti-depressants as many medications pose a low to moderate risk to the unborn child.
Anxiety disorders are also more common among pregnant women. Fears most commonly relate to the health of the baby or the pain of labour, and worries about whether they will be able to cope with the demands of parenting. Women are also at increased risk of suffering a panic attack or developing a panic disorder during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester when the HCG levels are increasing so rapidly.
Pregnant women are often afraid to seek medical help if they develop depression or anxiety as they fear, wrongly, that people will judge them as being mentally unfit to be a parent. But it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible for the sake of both the mother and the child. Hormonal changes after the birth, as well as factors such as the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn, can tip mild depression or anxiety into a much more serious mental illness. It is also in the baby's interest for the mother to seek treatment as studies have linked anxiety and depression during pregnancy to an increased risk of low birth weight babies, premature labour and the child developing mental health problems in later life.
There are a variety of treatment options available. The first is medication. Your family doctor can prescribe a drug which carries a low risk to the unborn child, but unless the depression or anxiety is severe it is usually best to seek out alternative treatments. Natural remedies should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding.
The most effective treatment is counselling or cognitive behaviour therapy. This tackles the root of the problem rather than just relieving the symptoms, and there is no risk of unpleasant side effects or harm to the baby. Your doctor will be able to arrange this for you, although availability and waiting lists will depend on where you live.
Positive life style changes such as eating healthily and taking moderate exercise are beneficial as they have mood boosting properties. Anything that promotes relaxation, such as meditation, pregnancy yoga or even just making time for a favourite hobby are also essential to relieve stress, and help overcome the disorder.
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