Much has been said about the well-known postpartum depression, but there is also prenatal or antepartum depression, which is less known and affects mothers even before the baby is born1. In Brazil, it is estimated that 10% of pregnant women suffer from the condition, according to a study published by the Regional Nursing Council. Prenatal depression must be treated so as not to pose risks to the future mother and her baby.
We know that pregnancy is a period of rapid changes in a woman’s body and mood. In addition to heightened sensitivity, there are positive and negative expectations about the idea of having a child. It’s impossible not to think about the future and have concerns during this time!
There are many reasons that can trigger depression during pregnancy. Some women are predisposed to depression, others find themselves in circumstances of lack of family or medical support, in conflicts with their partner, experiencing loneliness, and most commonly, in cases of unplanned pregnancy.
A woman can have several completely different pregnancies, depending on the situation she is in when she gets a positive test result. So, if you’ve developed prenatal depression, don’t blame yourself!
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Just like other types of depression, including postpartum depression, prenatal depression presents with:
- Profound sadness
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation and low energy
- Slow movements and thinking
- Severe mood swings
- Excessive sleep or insomnia
- Lack of appetite
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms on their own don’t necessarily mean depression2. It is perfectly understandable that there are changes in mood, sleep, and appetite during pregnancy, because of hormonal changes.
However, when this comes along with guilt and prevents you from feeling happy and able to be a mother, or from feeling affection for the child that is about to be born, to the point where it affects your routine, you should seek medical advice. For example, the mother-to-be may not feel excited about the layette and the baby’s first toys in the prepartum period.
Risks and complications of prenatal depression
The main risks of depression during pregnancy are consequences of the illness: the pregnant woman neglects her own health. In depression, a woman may not eat a balanced diet, which can lead to anemia and other issues that, beyond her own health, also affect the baby’s development.
Sleep and rest, especially at the beginning, are important for a healthy pregnancy and can be disrupted if the mother-to-be suffers from insomnia or panic and anxiety attacks. Among the complications from these symptoms, the developing fetus can suffer from dehydration, low birth weight, and may even be born prematurely.
Moreover, there is a subjective aspect in the mother-child relationship that impacts the child’s neuropsychomotor development, causing relationship and learning problems. In a healthy relationship, the baby receives stimulation from the mother even inside the belly, like massages, the sound of a loving voice, or lullabies. Even if the baby is not consciously aware of such stimuli, without them, he or she may carry a feeling of rejection, inadequacy, and guilt from birth.
Prenatal depression can be temporary, especially if a woman seeks help and treatment early. However, if not properly treated, it can progress to postpartum depression, which now affects about 15% of mothers, also due to the drastic drop in estrogen levels after pregnancy – something that contributes to depressive moods, as seen in PMS.
Treatments
It is always advisable to avoid allopathic medications during pregnancy. But in the case of prenatal depression, medication is not dismissed during the consultation, as it can be a serious illness. Antidepressants that do not harm the baby’s health may be prescribed by a specialist doctor3.
If the symptoms are mild and the prenatal depression is in its early stages, the most recommended approach is psychotherapy sessions with a qualified professional. This is a way to reach the root of the problem, which is psychological. In any case, whenever treatment is needed, it should always be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
IMPORTANT: In addition, pregnant women may seek relaxation techniques such as Yoga and Meditation, or herbal treatments, like homeopathy and essences. One valuable tip is not to be sedentary during pregnancy, as this increases the chances of developing depression. There are great exercises recommended for pregnant women!
The problem does not affect just the pregnant woman
Pre- and postnatal depression is also a public health issue. Every woman has the right to good treatment during pregnancy, which helps prevent depression and ensures proper treatment if it arises. To improve care for mothers, the Ministry of Health has published guidelines on the approach healthcare professionals should have in prenatal care, as well as the rights of women and their newborns.
Healthcare Professionals’ Actions and Women’s Rights
- Monitoring the woman’s physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the entire process
- Respecting the woman’s choice of companion during labor
- Services with standardized procedures and monitoring of labor progress using a partogram, with rooming-in and encouragement of breastfeeding
- The healthcare professional should answer all questions
- The professional should guide and provide methods to relieve symptoms during labor, such as warm baths, massages, and other relaxation techniques
- The professional should allow immediate contact between mother and baby after birth, as well as starting breastfeeding
- Pregnant women have the right to walk during the first stage of labor, during dilation, and to choose their position during the pushing phase
- Pregnant women have the right to know the identity of the health professional
- Pregnant women have the right to be called by their name
- The pregnant woman should be informed by professionals about medical procedures
- The newborn has the right to appropriate neonatal care
See Also: Why Am I a Crying Pregnant Woman?
Photo: Greyerbaby
