Pregnancy Depression

What is Pregnancy Depression?

Pregnancy depression seems like an oxymoron. However, is it really a reality?

Pregnancy is known as a joyful time for a women and the entire family.

There are many cases that confirm this however there are also women that go through a lot of hardships during their pregnancy. Are you one of them?

There are many factors that play a significant role during pregnancy. Some of them are: support, non stressful environments, no difficulty in pregnancy and so on.

If those needs are not met, women are vulnerable and an easy target for depression and other illnesses. In addition, if there is an alcohol or drug problem, a woman is prone to have a difficult time during pregnancy and her fetus suffers.

Pregnancy is a special time for a woman. It is a time of change for her mind and body but sometimes things can go wrong with either one. Miscarriage or pregnancy depression happens and there is no shame in that. If you are depressed during pregnancy, that does not mean that you are going to be a bad mother, it only means that you need help to get through your difficult times.

Pregnancy depression can be mild, moderate or severe. People usually do not recognize mild depression and that can be just as dangerous because it can progress into moderate or severe depression. During pregnancy, it is even more difficult to detect mild depression therefore, it is important to know the most common symptoms of pregnancy depression.

Symptoms of Pregnancy Depression:

• Having thoughts about abortion

• Insomnia

• Blaming your husband for getting you pregnant

• Feeling as if your body is destroyed

• Social withdrawal

• Crying all the time

• Having no appetite

Pregnancy Depression Causes:

Even though the exact cause of pregnancy depression and depression in general is unknown, some factors increase the risk of depression during pregnancy:

• Alcohol abuse. Any consumption of alcohol during pregnancy should be avoided. If you have an alcohol problem you must get help and stop poisoning your baby. Make no mistake, alcohol and tobacco does poison your unborn baby and can cause serious consequences.

• Physical and mental abuse. If you are abused in any way during your pregnancy you need to distance yourself from the abuser. You must do it if you want your baby to be healthy and have a normal life.

• Stressful environment. During pregnancy your surroundings need to be friendly, supportive and stress free. Remember if you are stressed, your baby is stressed as well

• Unplanned pregnancy.

• Difficulty during pregnancy.

• Having a history of depression.

Pregnancy Depression Treatment

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, gestalt therapy, family therapy, group therapy and other types of psychotherapies can treat pregnancy depression. Psychotherapy offers education, support, coping tools and it is an important part of the treatment.

For mild and moderate cases, psychotherapy is usually enough for a woman to get better and relieve her pregnancy depression.

Psychopharmacology: Some antidepressants can be used during pregnancy however you need to be very careful if you are taking them because, misusing antidepressants during pregnancy can have serious consequences to you and your baby.

Natural supplements: There are many natural supplements available for depression, but just because they are natural it does not mean that they cannot hurt you or your baby. So if you decide to take them, you need to be cautious.

Pregnancy depression is a very treatable disorder, but in order to get recover, you need to start making changes in your life and get yourself into therapy.

Many women do not seek help and suffer because of that. There is no reason for you to suffer any further. There is nothing to be ashamed of or to feel guilty about.

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