Prenatal depression has recently gained more attention by obstetricians, but it is still not fully understood. Studies on pregnant women are less frequent due to the ethical issues. But observational studies have shown that, among women who are diagnosed with postnatal depression, many report having had similar feelings during their pregnancies.
Therefore, women who are experiencing depression should discuss their feelings with their obstetricians and seek treatment as soon as they recognize that something is amiss. Depression that affects the mom in significant ways, may also directly affect the unborn fetus.
What are some of the symptoms of prenatal depression?
- Crying
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Appetite disturbance
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Some of these symptoms seem to describe normal pregnancy occurrences such as appetite disturbance and sleep problems, but the key factors are the severity and duration of the symptoms.
What are some of the major factors contributing to prenatal depression?
- Poor fetal attachment
- Previous history of depression, or a family history of it
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Previous history of miscarriage
- Years of fertility treatments
- Relationship dissatisfaction with the baby’s father, or being single
- Limited family or social supports
- Stress over the changes that are happening or are about to happen ex) pause in career goals, loss of independent lifestyle, increased bills, etc.
- Other children – the more children you already have, the more chance of depression
Women who experience any of the above factors, and do not receive help for these and the other symptoms listed, have an increased likelihood to experience postnatal depression as well. It is therefore important to get treatment during pregnancy.
How does prenatal depression directly affect the fetus?
Although at least 18% of all pregnant women suffer from some form of prenatal depression, the few studies that have been done have found that 40% of women who live in lower socio-economic conditions tend to suffer more severe prenatal depression.
As a result of healthcare concerns and economic challenges, the fetus may have some challenges as well, including:
- Smaller head circumference
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Lower level of growth during the first year of life, including developmental delay
What can a mom with prenatal depression do to help herself and her unborn child?
Although prenatal depression tends to make a pregnant woman feel she is all alone, she can reduce the symptoms proactively by doing the following things:
- Communicate her feelings with her family to get their support
- See her physician for treatment.
- Join a support group to learn about how others are dealing with the same feelings, and try to use those strategies that may work for her.
- Exercise regularly to help release “feel-good” endorphins. Always speak to a physician first to ensure a suitable and safe level of exercise.
- Try to get proper rest.
- Eat well. If costs are a concern, seek assistance with government food programs to get a proper diet.
Prenatal depression is hard to deal with all alone. Seek help for it and your baby. The help will make bringing a new life into the world so much better for both of you. It will also reduce the chances that the new baby will be affected by the negative impact of depression both before and after the birth.