Overview
There are several different descriptions and terms for describing depression that can occur, either from the time you conceive and become pregnant, during your pregnancy or after the birth of your child. It can be confusing as some of these expressions can actually mean the same thing. The most commonly used terms that you are likely to have heard if you are pregnant are:
Antenatal or Prenatal Depression
Both of these terms refer to the period before the birth and during the pregnancy.
Perinatal
Refers to the period from when you become pregnant and up to a year after the birth of your child.
Postnatal or Postpartum Depression
This is the period after the birth of your child
Most perinatal and postpartum depression starts within four to eight weeks of having given birth. Symptoms like non pregnancy related depression can range from being mild to more severe. In rare instances they can be so severe that they could put both the wellbeing and health of the mother and child at risk.
It should not be confused with what is often referred to as the baby blues, which occurs in the first two weeks of the mother giving birth. This is usually due to hormonal changes that occur in the body after the baby is born. The number of women who develop pregnancy related depression is believed to be around seven to twenty percent dependant on their income and the country they live in.
Causes and risk factors for antenatal and postnatal depression
There are several reasons why you can either develop, or be more likely to develop depression, either during your pregnancy or after you have given birth. These can include:
- If you have a history of depression prior to conceiving
- The pregnancy was not planned so you have related worries or stresses about it
- You have previously suffered a miscarriage
- You had difficulty either initially conceiving or had problems during the birth
- Have experienced major life changes or are dealing with anxiety or stress
- Suffer with health problems during your pregnancy
- Experienced abuse either in childhood or as an adult in a past or current relationship
- Poor sleeping patterns
- If your living circumstances are difficult
- A history of premenstrual syndrome or the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Finding yourself with little or no support and feel isolated during your pregnancy
- Endured difficult circumstances in your childhood
- You conceive when you are very young
- Have had to stop taking medication for depression you were taking prior to becoming pregnant
- You are expecting a multiple birth
- Are carrying a child that has special needs or a health problem
- Have long term stomach upsets that cause you to feel nauseous, unwell and to vomit beyond the normal morning sickness symptoms
You can also be more at risk if you or a family member have a history of:
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post partum depression
Signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy
The signs and symptoms of depression in people who are pregnant are the same as those in people who are not. In pregnancy however they can sometimes be mistaken for the normal ups and downs of pregnancy, that result in hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy.
Symptoms can occur in any trimester of your pregnancy and if you have suffered with any of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks you should consider seeing your doctor for advice.
- Changes to your diet which can either result in: –
Poor weight gain due to a loss of appetite or eating a diet that is low in nutrients
Gaining excess weight due to over eating because you feel depressed
- Feeling tired and fatigued or prone to be overly weepy or crying a lot
- Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, irritable or restless
- Feel numb, empty or emotionally detached, and having a sense of hopelessness about the future
- Constantly worrying about your pregnancy or the impending birth
- Fearing you will not be a good parent
- Losing the interest and excitement you had in your pregnancy
- Changes to your sleep patterns either having problems getting to sleep, waking up frequently or wanting to sleep for long periods
- Mood swings
- Problems concentrating and staying focused
- Feeling sad and feeling like you feel that way almost every day
- Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Struggling to bond with your baby and feel guilty or ashamed
- Feeling isolated or anxious and unable to relate to other people
- Feeling hostile or indifferent towards your partner
- Having a reduce libido or lack of interest in sex
- Struggling with feelings of a lack of confidence or feelings of self-worth or self-esteem
- In extreme cases suicidal thoughts
Diagnosis and treatment
If you think you might be showing signs of depression during your pregnancy, or after you have given birth then you should seek advice from a healthcare professional, such as your doctor, midwife or health visitor. They will ask you about your symptoms when they started and how often they occur. The most common treatments for depression are either therapy or medication. They may suggest that you try a course of antidepressants that are safe to take whilst you are pregnant or breast feeding, or refer you for therapy, or try a combination of both depending on how severe your symptoms are. It can take four to eight weeks for some medications to work so you might want to try therapy whilst your medication take effect.
Therapy and counselling
There are several different types of therapy that are beneficial for treating depression and your therapist can suggest which type or combination of therapies they think will work best. These can include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Can be helpful as it teaches you how to challenge negative thoughts and behaviours which in turn will help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Interpersonal Therapy
Helps you to improve communication skills within relationships and to build social support networks as well as having more realistic expectations, which in turn will help you better deal with issues contributing to your depression
Psychotherapy
Is a form of talking therapy that helps you to talk through your emotions and cope better with mood changes.
Self-care for prenatal and postnatal depression
There are several ways you can try and manage your depression and improve your mood including:
- Joining a self-help group for mothers who are struggling with depression, where you can talk to people in similar circumstances and they can share their experiences and advice with you, which can help you to realise that you are not alone
- Preparing for your babies arrival by making sure that you attend all your prenatal care appointments and scans. Reading up on the different stages of pregnancy and development so you know what to expect as your pregnancy progresses
- Make your physical and mental health a priority, make sure you sleep well and exercise regularly as well as eating a well balanced diet and ensure you take prenatal vitamins, which can be vital to your babies development. You should avoid smoking or drinking as soon as you know you are pregnant as this can be harmful to both your health and to your babies
- Socialise, find time to see your family and friends and spent quality time with your partner as all these things will have a positive effect on your mood
- You can try things like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or mindfulness to help manage any feelings of stress or anxiety that you may have
- Once your baby is born try and plan your day around them sleeping to either take a power nap whilst they sleep or fit in chores like laundry or making bottles up for their next feed.
For most people pregnancy related depression will improve with treatment, so if you have any concerns share these with your health provider as soon as you can. The longer that you leave asking for help, the harder you will find it to manage your own selfcare. Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.
