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Dealing With Depression During Pregnancy !!BETTER!!

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Depression (also called depressive disorder, major depression and clinical depression) is a medical condition that causes feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in things you like to do. It can affect how you feel, think and act and can interfere with your daily life. It needs treatment to get better.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says that certain kinds of counseling (also called therapy) can prevent perinatal depression for women at increased risk of depression. Counseling is when you talk about your feelings and concerns with a counselor or therapist. This person helps you understand your feelings, solve problems and cope with things in your everyday life.

There are several kinds of antidepressants. Most affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, but each kind does it in a different way. And each has risks and benefits during pregnancy. Antidepressants that may be used during pregnancy include:

Depression, a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, is the most common mood disorder in the general population. The condition occurs twice as often in women as in men, and the initial onset of depression peaks during a woman's reproductive years.

Some symptoms of depression, including changes in sleep, energy level, appetite and libido, are similar to symptoms of pregnancy. As a result, you or your health care provider might attribute these symptoms to your pregnancy, rather than depression.

Women might also be reluctant to talk to their health care providers about changes in moods during pregnancy, due to the stigma associated with depression. There's also a tendency to focus more on women's physical health during pregnancy, rather than mental health.

The signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy are the same as those that occur with depression in the general population. However, additional clues that might indicate depression during pregnancy include:

If you have untreated depression, you might not seek optimal prenatal care, eat the healthy foods your baby needs or have the energy to care for yourself. You are also at increased risk of postpartum depression and having difficulty bonding with your baby.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that health care providers screen for depression and anxiety using a standardized tool at least once during pregnancy. During screening, your health care provider will likely ask questions from a standardized screening questionnaire, which consists of questions about mood and anxiety. Your answers are scored and your total score can be used to identify whether you have depression. Alternatively, your health care provider might ask you if, in the past month, you have been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless or by having little interest in doing things.

There is limited evidence that screening to identify and treat depression during pregnancy improves outcomes. This might be due to variations in access to resources and appropriate treatment once depression has been diagnosed. However, screening for depression during pregnancy might provide some self-awareness of your risk of depression and anxiety.

Pregnancy can cause you to experience depression. Your body goes through a lot of change and the stresses of pregnancy can trigger depression in some people. Not everyone who becomes pregnant will also be depressed.

Growing evidence suggests that many of the currently available antidepressant medicines are relatively safe for treating depression during pregnancy, at least in terms of short-term effects on the fetus. Long-term effects have not been fully studied. You should discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor.

Depression during pregnancy, or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry.During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect the chemicals in your brain, which are directly related to depression and anxiety. These can be exacerbated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy.

If you feel you may be struggling with depression, the most important step is to seek help. Talk with your health care provider about your symptoms and struggles. Your health care provider wants the best for you and your baby and may discuss options with you for treatment.Treatment options for women who are pregnant can include:

Are there any safe medications to treat depression during pregnancy?There is a lot of debate over the safety and long-term effects of antidepressant medications taken during pregnancy. Some research now shows that certain medications used to treat depression may be linked to problems in newborns such as physical malformations, heart problems, pulmonary hypertension and low birth weight.A woman with mild to moderate depression may be able to manage her symptoms with support groups, psychotherapy, and light therapy. But if a pregnant woman is dealing with severe depression, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is usually recommended.Women need to know that all medications will cross the placenta and reach their babies. There is not enough information about which drugs are entirely safe and which ones pose risks.But when treating major depression, the risks and benefits need to be examined closely. The medication that can offer the most help, with the smallest risk to baby, should be considered carefully.If medication seems like the best treatment for your depression, forming a collaborative treatment team is the best course of action. This would include your prenatal care provider and your mental health provider.Ask both health care professions about what treatments will be best for you and your baby. Find out if you have options for medications and do research on them.What long term effects do they have? Is your baby likely to deal with withdrawal symptoms after birth? Is this medication linked to health problems in the newborn or developmental delays in the future? Also, always remember that you need to weigh the possibilities of problems in the future versus the problems that can occur right now if your depression is not treated appropriately.

With the controversy regarding the use of some antidepressants during pregnancy, many women are interested in other ways to help treat depression. As mentioned above, support groups, psychotherapy, and light therapy are alternatives to using medication when treating mild to moderate depression.In addition to these, you may want to talk with your health care providers about some of the other natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of depression.

If you do not feel comfortable talking with your health care provider about your feelings of depression, find someone else to talk with. It is important that someone knows what you are dealing with and can try to help you. Never try to face depression alone. Your baby needs you to seek help and get treatment.

Pregnancy brings a mix of feelings, and not all of them are good. If you're feeling worried, you're not alone. Worry is common, especially during a woman's first pregnancy or an unplanned one. It can be even harder if you're dealing with depression or anxiety.

Mood swings are normal during pregnancy. But if you feel nervous or down all the time, it could be a sign of something deeper going on. Stress over being pregnant, changes in your body during the pregnancy, and everyday worries can take a toll.

It's important to treat mental health concerns during pregnancy. Mothers who are depressed, anxious, or have another issue might not get the medical care they need. They might not take care of themselves, or they may use drugs and alcohol during the pregnancy. All of these things can harm a growing baby.

Also talk to a doctor about your overall health and any mental health issues you've had in the past. It's best for your doctor to know your full medical history, in case anything comes up during or after your pregnancy.

Depression is common during pregnancy, affecting about 1 in 10 pregnant women. Some women have depression and anxiety for the first time in their lives during pregnancy or after delivery. (Read Postpartum Depression to learn about depression after pregnancy.)

Thinking about death or suicide is a sign of depression. If you are in crisis or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, call 988 right away. 988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free support and resources. Read the Resources section for other support options, including more helplines you can text or call and online pregnancy support groups. You can also talk with a trusted friend, family member, or your ob-gyn.

Women who have severe depression during pregnancy may have trouble taking care of themselves. They may not eat healthfully, attend prenatal care checkups, or get enough rest. If you took antidepressants before pregnancy, you may become depressed again if you stop taking them. Having untreated depression during pregnancy also raises your risk of postpartum depression. Read Postpartum Depression to learn more.

Talk with your ob-gyn as soon as possible. Tell them if you had depression in the past, if you take medication for depression, or if you are feeling depressed now. Also read the Resources section for more support options.

Many people also find that self-care (including sleep, healthful eating, and light exercise) and social support groups can be helpful in recovering from depression. Postpartum Support International offers online support group meetings and referrals to mental health professionals who offer care during and after pregnancy. Read the Resources section for more ways to get help.

If you have anxiety and stress, tell your ob-gyn. Also tell them about any stressful life events. These may include losing a loved one, having a loved one who is ill, living far from your friends and family, or moving. Not having support and resources for your pregnancy can also be a major source of stress. Talk with your ob-gyn so you can get the help you need. 2b1af7f3a8

Dealing With Depression During Pregnancy !!BETTER!!

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