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Depression during pregnancy - Symptoms and Treatment

Depression during pregnancy

Depression among pregnant women is quite common. Mobidoctor is here to lend an understanding ear and provide the advice on the requirements for managing these symptoms.

Health statistics of government has indicated that thirteen percent of new and expecting mothers are having symptoms of depression.

The case because of which expecting mothers are showing symptoms towards depression is that their hormone level is falling and rising quite dramatically during the time of their pregnancy.

This is specifically true just after giving birth, as they no longer have to provide for the baby developing in their belly. This is causing a huge transition in the quantity of Estrogen being produced by them.

Our doctors are capable of helping and treating your both postnatal and prenatal depression.

What is Prenatal Depression?

It is a kind of depression, which occurs during the course of pregnancy, specifically in the early phases as the balance of hormones is changing rapidly for accommodating the baby. It is also called Antenatal Depression.

It is expected from pregnant mothers that they should be excited from the thought of being a mother-to-be or growing the family. However, you are prone to feel grumpy, tired or negative about your pregnancy, or be unable to feel any connections with the baby. It is normal and can happen even if it is a planned pregnancy.

If it is happening with you then it is likely that you may not want to talk about these symptoms for avoiding the possibility of being in a negative light. Although you must seek treatments just like anyone else having depression would.

There are various possible treatments available, from talking therapies and support groups to antidepressants. If you are requiring medicine, then our doctors will suggest some antidepressants, which are not only effective but also safe for you to take in the course of pregnancy.

Can depression in the course of pregnancy hurt your baby?

Some researchers suggested that depressions in the pregnancy could raise the baby’s long-term vulnerability for mental health problems.

However, a number of children are not affected by this; hence do not panic if you are experiencing such symptoms. Feel free to talk to our doctors about these concerns and get the required reassurance.

Depression is capable of indirectly harming your baby through one way, which is that it can cause you to make bad choices, for instance, smoking or drinking alcohol. It is crucial for you to get treatment before this stage occurs.
What does the Postnatal Depression mean?
It has been noted that new mothers often experience a thing called the ‘baby blues’ within the first weeks after giving birth. Symptoms of baby blues are:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Crying
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
It is not serious and mostly lasts for around a week but does not require any treatments, as the hormones of the mother are going to settle down on their own.
Postnatal depression, also called postpartum depression has a tendency to occur at any time in the first year after giving birth.
The symptoms of Postnatal Depression are more extreme than the Baby Blue and it can be accompanied by the thought of hurting your baby or even yourself. It is likely that you are unable to feel any link with your baby after it is born. In unique situations, some mothers start hearing different voices and they may be required to be admitted to the hospital.
Causes of Postnatal Depression are:
  • History of the family
  • Stressful birth
  • The stressful incident which occurred along with your pregnancy, for instance losing a loved one
  • Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and tired
  • Worrying about the physical alterations in your body or losing personal freedom

What is the duration of Postnatal Depression?

The experiences of Postnatal Depression differ among individuals; hence getting the answer for how long the Postnatal Depression lasts is difficult. Various durations have been noticed on various individuals depending on a number of factors.

It has been noted that a number of mothers are unable to get rid of Postnatal Depression without treatment. Hence, it is important for you to ask for guidance.

Treatment of Postnatal Depression

Mobidoctor allows you to talk to a doctor confidentially and privately about all your concerns from your own home and at your own comfort.

Our doctors are going to discuss your sings with you and recommend you the most adequate treatment. In short term, they might recommend you bed rest, talking to your partner, getting assistance from the members of your family, having time for yourself, or even joining a support group for sharing your experiences with the rest of the mothers.
On the other hand, they can recommend medication or talking therapies for treating your depression.
It is understandable that often women are not willing to talk about postnatal depression. They fear of being labeled a ‘bad' mother or that social services are going to take their child away.
However, you should not be feeling this way. Postnatal Depression is an issue and as our doctors are going to tell you, you are doing the correct thing by seeking assistance or asking guidance.