You may be aware that your body goes through many physical changes during pregnancy. But do you know your mental health may also be affected during pregnancy? You may go through a lot of emotions during pregnancy. You may suffer from various mental health issues. Mood swings, depression and anxiety during pregnancy are normal, but if you are sad or down all the time, it can be a sign of something serious. Pregnancy depression symptoms are quite evident as your pregnancy progresses. Your mental health care provider can help you manage your mental health. Continue reading to learn how to care for your mental health during pregnancy properly.
Why is Mental Health Important During Pregnancy?
The mental health of women is important during pregnancy as it also impacts the health of the baby. Untreated mental conditions during pregnancy can result in preterm labour, low birth weight and developmental issues of the baby. Bad mental health can lead to depression and anxiety during pregnancy, which can affect the growth of the baby.
Is Mental Health Issues Normal During Pregnancy?
Depression and anxiety during pregnancy are usually normal, as pregnancy brings you mixed feelings. Some pregnant women do not even know that they have mental health issues. Some develop depression for the first time during pregnancy. It is a common mood disorder where pregnant women lose interest in their daily activities.
Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Pregnancy
The symptoms of mental health issues during pregnancy are similar to postpartum depression signs:
Abnormal mood swings
Losing interest in your regular works
Worried about your health
Feeling sad for no reason
Crying for no obvious reason
Obsessive behaviour
Feeling tired all the time
Irritability and anger
Less sex drive
Disturbed sleep
When you experience the above symptoms, consult a healthcare professional and talk about your mental health condition.
Common Mental Health Issues During Pregnancy
Pregnant women may experience any of the following mental health issues. Most of these mental disorders are often overlooked as pregnant women consider them as a symptom of their pregnancy.
Depression: If pregnant women feel sad, worried, irritable and wish to be in solitude for weeks or months, they might be in depression. It may start when a woman becomes pregnant. Some may feel depressed when they are not happy about their pregnancy, while some may find it overwhelming to manage their pregnancy.
Anxiety: Constant feelings of fear and worry about various things are called anxiety. This occurs during pregnancy. Usually, pregnant women are too anxious about their health and the health of the baby.
Panic Attack: It is a sudden episode of shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest tightness that occurs due to changes in the body during pregnancy. It can impact the health of the baby and the mother.
Bipolar disorder: You may experience mood swings affecting the health of the baby and the mother. You may feel extremely happy, sad and irritable when you suffer from bipolar disorder. It can result in serious pregnancy complications.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Intrusive and distressing thoughts repeatedly enter your mind is called OCD. This can interfere with your daily life. OCD during pregnancy is called prenatal OCD. It is important to treat the condition early.
Eating disorders: Pregnant women suffer from eating disorders, including bulimia, binge eating disorder, and anorexia. Women with eating disorders worry about their weight and body shape. Eating disorders can affect your pregnancy, resulting in intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage and preterm birth.
Risk Factors of Depression During Pregnancy
The following are the factors that increase the risk of mental health issues during depression.
Stress
Lack of social support
Unintended pregnancy
Pregnancy complication
Low economic status
Marital quality
Treating Depression During Pregnancy
You must treat your mental health issues during pregnancy at the earliest. Medicines and therapies are effective in treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and they will help you choose the right treatment based on your concerns. Your obstetrician or midwife can help you choose the right treatment and offer you support during tough times.
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medicines for treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend medicines that are safe during pregnancy.
Talk Therapy: One-to-one talking with the therapist can help treat depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy.
Alternative Treatments: Yoga, meditations, breathing exercises, and mind-relaxing techniques can help treat depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
How to Manage Depression During Pregnancy?
Managing anxiety and depression in pregnancy is not tough. Simple therapies and activities can help you come out of depression and get rid of anxiety during pregnancy.
Share your feelings with your partner or friend. This can help let go of the sadness.
Mind relaxing techniques, yoga, and breathing exercises can help overcome anxiety during pregnancy.
Involve in any physical activities like cooking, baking, gardening, painting, etc., that improve your mood.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Connect with other pregnant women who can help you overcome depression.
Limit your caffeine intake.
Cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage depression during pregnancy.
Getting support from family when you feel overwhelmed
Quit smoking and drinking
Mental health is important during pregnancy. You may suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. Mental health issues can affect your pregnancy and lead to pregnancy complications. Treating mental health issues is important as it can impact the health of your baby and the mother. Choose the right treatment that suits you based on your concerns.
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