Prenatal depression is defined as a form of clinical disorder that is found among pregnant women. It can also be a precursor to postnatal depression. It is estimated to affect 10% of women worldwide.
Virtually all women can develop mental disorders during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery. Poverty, migration, extreme stress, exposure to violence, emergency and conflict Situations, natural disasters, low social support generally increase risks for specific disorders.
Evidence indicates that treating the depression of mothers leads to improved growth and development of the newborn and reduces the likelihood of diarrhea and malnutrition among them.
Awareness of prenatal mental health is important in order to be your best as a parent and improving the health of your child.
Leading causes of Prenatal Depression
Although this disorder is more likely to occur among women who have a history of depression, it is by no means inevitable. It is important, however, that women with a history of mental health issues tell their doctor. This is to enable them discuss how this might affect their pregnancy and birth, and plan the right care and support.
Other factors causing prenatal depression are
- Previous difficulty conceiving
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Emotional and physical abuse
- Relationship and financial concerns.
Signs of prenatal Depression
Prenatal depression can begin at any point during pregnancy and is characterized as having a higher than normal level of worry about the impending birth and parenthood.
Whilst the majority of the following symptoms are common ‘side effects’ of pregnancy. The important factor to consider here is if they become extreme.
- Lack of energy and extreme fatigue
- Feeling emotionally detached
- Tearfulness
- Chronic anxiety
- Feeling isolated and guilty
- Inability to concentrate and difficulty remembering
- Feeling emotional numb
- Extreme irritability
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- A sense of dread about everything, including the pregnancy
- Persistent sadness
- Inability to get excited about the impending birth
- Thoughts of suicide, or death.
How to Manage and Overcome Prenatal Depression can be managed and overcome by speaking out, seeking help from peers, therapy and counselling. There are so many other ways of managing it. There is no need to be scared, with the right assistance, depression can be properly managed.
