Depression in pregnant women or medically called antepartum depression, is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Research shows that some pregnant women have experienced it.
Depression in pregnancy is a biological disease that involves changes in brain chemistry. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect chemicals in the brain associated with depression and anxiety.
To identify whether you experience depression during pregnancy, examine whether you experience some of these symptoms.
- Feel worthless.
- Less energy, less concentration, and less interested in the world around you.
- No longer enjoy the things you used to like.
- A change in appetite occurs.
- Too much sleep or even less sleep.
- Feel guilty.
- Repeatedly thinking of suicide or feeling hopeless.
- Restless or anxious.
- Prolonged grief.
Pregnant women who experience depression usually experience some of these symptoms for a period of two weeks or more. But unfortunately, not all pregnant women get adequate depression treatment or even do not try to seek help.
Moreover, the myth of a pregnant woman who is sure to be happy makes many women feel ashamed to seek help. In fact, depression during pregnancy that is not handled properly can have a serious impact on the health of babies and mothers themselves. Depression in pregnant women can also cause stress to the fetus.
What are the Steps to Overcome It?
If left untreated, antepartum depression can cause pregnant women to experience malnutrition, suicidal tendencies, alcoholism, and smoking. This bad ending can later lead to premature birth, newborn birth weight below normal, and child development problems.
Research also shows that infants of mothers who are suffering from prolonged depression are more likely to be irritable, more fussy, less active, less interested, and more agitated.
Because antepartum depression that is not treated is feared to continue after childbirth, the form of depression help from an early age becomes something important for both mother and baby. Remember that consulting with a psychiatrist means that you are determined to maintain the health and safety of your baby.
If you feel depressed during pregnancy, do the following first few treatments to help you deal with depression.
- Take care and treat yourself. Make this the top list to do as caring for yourself is part of the effort to care for your baby. When your baby is born later, you no longer have much time for yourself.
- Tell me how you feel. This can treat Pregnant's mood. Instead of fighting alone against depression, it's better to pour your heart out to people you trust can help. Also discuss with your partner so he understands and provides support. You can also consult about this to your obstetrician.
- Get enough rest. Effects due to lack of sleep greatly affect physical and psychological abilities in dealing with stress and daily challenges. Establishing the same bedtime routine every day is a good first step.
- Start to exercise. Physical exercise during pregnancy can naturally increase levels of happy hormones or serotonin and reduce levels of stress hormones or cortisol.
- Pay attention to food intake and nutritional adequacy. A diet that involves a high intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine, chemical additives, and low protein can cause physical and psychological health problems. From now on, take care of your diet and make sure to pay attention to your nutritional adequacy every day.
- Omega-3 consumption. Over the years, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce symptoms of depression and can function as a natural mood-booster. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish and walnuts. Meanwhile, if you choose to consume omega-3s in supplement form, you should consult your obstetrician first.
- Acupuncture therapy can be a recommended choice. This kind of alternative therapy is thought to improve mood.
Never try to deal with depression alone. A depressed woman often does not have sufficient strength or desire to care for herself or her developing baby. Do not let this happen protracted. Immediately contact the relevant expert doctor.
