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Getting Depression
Getting Depression During Pregnancy
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 Pregnant
women are known for their emotions. In fact, pregnancy can bring
even those with the thickest skin to tears over a simple television
commercial. Hormone changes can exaggerate the sensitivity levels
relatively early in pregnancy and cause a roller coaster of mood
swings. And while occasional sadness and moodiness is normal in
every person, extended periods of sadness and despair are cause
for concern.
The signs of clinical depression are the same
for pregnant women as they are for anybody else and include: periods
of sadness lasting two weeks or longer, changes in appetite and
sleep patterns, loss of energy, and feelings of worthlessness and
irritability. When these symptoms are present during pregnancy they
need to be addressed immediately. Studies have shown that depression
can lead to premature babies with low birth weights. Studies also
show that women who experience depression during pregnancy are much
more likely to experience postpartum depression when the baby is
born. Postpartum depression can seriously delay the bonding of a
mother to her child and vice versa.
The good news is that depression is treatable,
even during pregnancy. There are plenty of anti-depressants that
are safe for pregnant women to consume. Therapy is also an option
and can help women to cope with stress and the demands and pressures
that they face on a daily basis. Women can also do much to help
themselves in recovering from clinical depression. Simple things
such as getting enough exercise and sleep and learning to manage
stress can help to alleviate depression. A healthy diet and participating
in enjoyable activities can also help pregnant women to overcome
a case of the blues. It is important to take care of depression
at the onset of it, to prevent it from becoming worse and interfering
with the development of the baby and health of the mother.
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