By Admin,
Four to 20 percent of women suffer from some depression during pregnancy.
While post-partum depression is well-known, the lesser-known antepartum depression gets slightly overlooked.
What is antepartum depression, and what can be done about it? Keep reading to find out!
Antepartum Depression
Antepartum depression is known as depression during pregnancy and occurs even if you have no history of depression previous to pregnancy, though those who have a history of depression might have more severe symptoms.
It’s caused by a shifting of hormones in your brain that are responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness.
Depression is classified as a mood disorder that causes a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Severe anxiety
- Crying
- Feeling a sense of hopelessness
- Inability to enjoy activities you love
- Lack of healthy weight gain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
While these are some of the symptoms associated with antepartum depression, symptoms can and do vary. If these symptoms are persistent for several weeks, talk to your doctor about possible treatments.
Treatment for Antepartum Depression
Thankfully, there are many ways to seek help when struggling with depression.
Therapy
One of the most common avenues of treatment is therapy with a counselor of Family Therapist. Most therapists use cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy to help manage the symptoms of depression. In your sessions, you’ll likely discuss your feelings and healthy ways to deal with them.
Medication
The first line of defense for pregnant women with depression is cognitive therapy, but for severe cases of depression, some doctors will prescribe medicines called antidepressants. While not all medications are safe to take at various times during pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits before moving forward with any medication.
Support Groups
You’re not alone! Depression in pregnancy is common, and seeking help and community from others is a step in a positive direction.
Are There Any Risks With Antepartum Depression?
If treated early and correctly, there are usually no risks to the unborn child. Without proper care, women are at risk for low-birth-weight babies, and difficulty adjusting to life with a newborn.
The baby may also experience poor nutrition and a lack of care because the mother has no desire to help her baby due to extreme depression.
Getting help early and often is not only helpful for you but your child as well.
Staying Healthy
In addition to cognitive therapy and medications, continuing to care for yourself throughout your pregnancy.
Here are some tips for staying healthy:
Exercising releases endorphins, which give positive feelings. Check with our doctor about which exercises are suitable for pregnancy.
Keep eating a healthy diet! Feasting on foods high on sugar and low-nutrition content can aggravate symptoms of depression.
Try an omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids can possibly help reduce depression and even benefit the health of the baby as well.
Get Help For Antepartum Depression
As more and more doctors realize the dangers of antepartum depression, it’s encouraging to know there are many ways to overcome it. Reach out to your doctor or a therapist if you think you’re suffering from antepartum depression.
Want to learn more about pregnancy? Our website can help! Visit us today to learn more about pregnancy.
