Depression during pregnancy is a common psychological disorder that negatively affects the health of both the mother and the unborn child. The prevalence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy varies between 12% and 36%. During pregnancy and the postpartum period is a time when women are particularly vulnerable to experiencing mood and anxiety symptoms. Depression affects 1 in 8 women during pregnancy and postpartum. Childbirth is one of the strongest triggers for depression in women.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are a period in which women are in regular contact with healthcare providers. Ideally, women and their healthcare providers should be able to have open and honest conversations about common psychological issues that arise during pregnancy. However, many women are reluctant to discuss their psychological problems and may feel embarrassed about sharing symptoms of depression during pregnancy or birth. Because they are afraid of being labeled.
But untreated depression during pregnancy has been associated with many negative side effects for both the mother and the fetus, including the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, and postpartum depression. It has been found that untreated depression during pregnancy can have long-term developmental consequences on the baby. Additionally, depression during pregnancy is the biggest risk factor for postpartum depression. Many women are reluctant to receive treatment during this delicate process. But depression is a medical condition that requires treatment and is not something that should be ignored.
When a woman becomes depressed during pregnancy, treatment decisions must consider the ratio of risks and benefits for both mother and fetus. In this case, psychotherapy is a method that has a strong evidence base and gives good results. As a result, the patient and healthcare provider should work together to develop a treatment plan that takes into account the severity of current symptoms and the type of treatment that will be most acceptable to the patient. The goal here is to provide the best outcomes for both mother and baby while adequately treating the mother's depression. Maternal mental health is critical for the mental health of children and families.
Read: 0
