Depression During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know
|
Posted By: Devon Marshall on June 10, 2009 Depression During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know Although pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of great joy, that's not the reality for all women. At least one in ten pregnant women suffers from bouts of depression. Hormonal changes can also make you feel more anxious than usual. Anxiety is another condition that can and should be treated during pregnancy. Depression and anxiety may go undiagnosed because women often dismiss their feelings, chalking them up to the temporary moodiness that often accompanies pregnancy. So don't be shy about letting your doctor or midwife know if you feel low.  Common risk factors include: * Personal or family history of depression or anxiety. If you have ever experience bouts of depression before or have a close family member who has, be sure to stay in tune with your emotional health. * Relationship difficulties. If you're in a troubled relationship and talking things out as a couple isn't working, get counseling. Don't make the mistake of assuming that your baby's arrival will make everything rosy. * Fertility treatments. If you had trouble getting pregnant, chances are you've been under a lot of stress. And if you've gone through multiple fertility procedures, you may still be dealing with the emotional side effects of months or even years of treatments and anxiety-laden waiting. * Previous pregnancy loss. If you've miscarried or lost a baby in the past, it's no wonder you're worrying about the safety of this pregnancy. And as with fertility treatments, if you're dealing with health restrictions you're more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. * Problems with your pregnancy. A complicated or high-risk pregnancy can take an emotional toll, particularly if you're enduring weeks of bed rest or numerous genetic tests. * Stressful life events. Financial worries? Relocating? Planning to stay home after years of working? Any major concerns or life changes such as these — as well as a breakup, the death of a close friend or family member, or a job loss — can send you into a serious funk. * Past history of abuse. Women who've survived emotional, sexual, physical, or verbal abuse may have low self-esteem, a sense of helplessness, or feelings of isolation — all of which contribute to a higher risk for depression. Common risk factors include: Some symptoms, such as fatigue or trouble sleeping, are common among healthy women during pregnancy. But if they interfere with your ability to function, depression is probably at least partly to blame. Among Latina women, there is a tendency to underplay feelings of emotional instability. Many women will claim to be fine, just “mal de nervios”. Don’t ignore the signs! If you are feeling really sad or unstable, don’t be ashamed to visit a psychologist, even though a stigma still exists in our community against this kind of treatment. Seeing a therapist or psychiatrist isn't an indication of weakness. On the contrary, it shows that you're willing to take the steps necessary to keep your baby and yourself safe and healthy. If you've experienced three or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider immediately: * A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore * Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, every day * It's harder to concentrate * Extreme irritability or agitation or excessive crying * Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time * Extreme or never-ending fatigue * A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all * Inappropriate guilt or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness If you enjoyed this article, Join Trabajamos.com today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Devon Marshall
Graphic Art Director/Senior Designer , Member Since September 2008 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
Prayers For ManTake time to reflect on your first memories of your life.
We all need a prayer partner4
I saw this page online and said “wow he must employ
someone to pray so he stays”
https://mobile.twitter.com ...more
How May I Help You NC • 14,052 Views • August 1st, 2022 |
 |
Art Bridges Foundation forms board of directors with visionary arts and philanthropy leaders
Art Bridges, a new foundation dedicated to expanding access to American art across the country, has assembled a roster of industry leaders for its board of directors. Founded by patron of the ar ...more
How May I Help You NC • 32,965 Views • April 21st, 2020 |
 |
Nashville Tornado Relief DonationDonate online https://www.visitmusiccity.com/nashvillestrong/donate
Thank you for thinking of Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area. Your generosity is so appreciated. And your donation to Music ...more
How May I Help You NC • 10,917 Views • April 14th, 2020 |
Popular News
 |
TSU Graduate Oprah Winfrey Named 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom RecipientPresident Obama has named Oprah Winfrey, Tennessee State University graduate, media mogul, philanthropist and award-winning actress among those receiving this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom at t ...more
How May I Help You NC • 34,271 Views • August 14th, 2013 |
|
|
Art Bridges Foundation forms board of directors with visionary arts and philanthropy leaders
Art Bridges, a new foundation dedicated to expanding access to American art across the country, has assembled a roster of industry leaders for its board of directors. Founded by patron of the ar ...more
How May I Help You NC • 32,965 Views • April 21st, 2020 |
