There are several types of treatment for depressive conditions:
- Psychological help. Includes conversations with a psychotherapist, gynecologist or other specialist.
- Medications – antidepressants. Both species are used alone or in joint treatment.
Many women in the waiting period for childbirth are interested in alternative ways to treat depression in addition to medicinal antidepressants. Psychotherapy and light therapy are good ways to treat mild to moderate depression.
In addition, you can consult with an observant gynecologist about possible methods of preventing and treating depressive conditions.
Exercises for pregnant women
Exercises (yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics) naturally increase serotonin levels and reduce cortisol levels.
Maternity vacation
Lack of sleep greatly affects the body and the mind’s ability to cope with the stress and changes that occur with the body day by day. It is necessary to paint a schedule according to which the time for rest and work will alternate, this will ease the transition state.
Diet and nutrition for pregnant women
Many products affect mood changes, resistance to stress and mental clarity. Diets high in caffeine, sugar, carbohydrates, artificial supplements and low in protein lead to mental and physical problems.
Acupuncture for pregnant women
New studies show that acupuncture can be used as an option in alleviating unpleasant conditions in expectant mothers.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega acids help to reduce overall health problems, and daily intake of fish oil can reduce the symptoms of depression. Pregnant women are advised to consult with their doctor about the dosage of fish oil.
Herbal Medicines
There are a number of herbal and vitamin supplements that prevent mood swings and improve serotonin production.
If a woman cannot talk about depression with her gynecologist, you need to find someone else to talk about the problem. The most important thing is not to try to solve all the problems alone and in time to ask for help and support from relatives.
Depressive states in pregnant women
Depression is more than just a feeling of weakness and constant fatigue, which lasts several days in a row. This is a psychological condition associated with changes in the hormonal background of the body, which is preparing for motherhood. With this disease, melancholy mood, constant anxiety or the feeling of “emptiness” prevent you from living a full life. These sensations can range from mild to severe. The good news is that most people feel better with the start of treatment.
A woman before childbirth or even after giving birth may experience depression symptoms, but be aware of this.
Hormonal changes lead to symptoms similar to depression, but if any of the following symptoms persist for 5-7 days, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist or other specialist :;
- anxiety or capriciousness;
- sadness, hopelessness and depression;
- tearfulness;
- no energy or motivation;
- constant hunger or lack of appetite;
- sleepiness or insomnia;
- there are distraction of attention and memory impairment;
- a sense of worthlessness;
- lack of interest in previously loved affairs;
- separation from friends and family.
Some factors increase the risk of depression symptoms:
- depression in history, as well as mental disorders before pregnancy;
- prenatal depression in the immediate family history;
- poor relationships with family and friends;
- suspiciousness and negative attitudes toward changes in the body that are associated with future motherhood;
- bad experience of pregnancy or childbirth;
- poor financial condition of the family;
- difficult situations in life (death of relatives, adultery of the husband);
- too early pregnancy;
- alcohol or drug addiction.
Can depressive conditions result in impaired fetal development?
An uncured state of depression can cause malnutrition, alcoholism, smoking, suicidal behavior, which contributes to premature birth, too low birth weight of the baby and disruption of its development. Newly mothers can not take care of themselves and their babies.
Children have irritability or lethargy. That is why it is so important to bring the expectant mother out of depression before giving birth.
