Recent studies have found that around 33% of pregnant women will suffer from depression. What every pregnant women needs to know and understand is that while these feelings of hopelessness or even extreme sadness might seem horrible there is nothing wrong with feeling that way. The real problem lies in the fact that only around 20% of the women who are suffering from depression look into treatment options.
One of the biggest problems with depression while a woman is pregnant is how most people just assume that pregnant women are simply happy. Even health care professionals assume this and hardly ever ask a woman about how they are feeling mentally. If a doctor isn’t asking about it, chances are good that a pregnant woman is not going to talk about it either because she might feel like something is wrong with her. However, leaving depression untreated while you are pregnant is dangerous to both you and your baby.
Risks Associated With Untreated Depression During Pregnancy
Before you make the decision not to seek any kind of treatment for your depression during your pregnancy you need to understand that you are putting you and your unborn baby at risk. With babies, studies show that untreated depression increases the risk for low birth weight, a hard time adapting to life outside the womb, a low APGAR score, and premature birth. For the mom to be there is an increased risk of suicide, terminating the pregnancy, substance abuse, neglecting her physical health, preterm labor, preeclampsia, undergoing a c-section, and not bonding with their baby.
Treatment Options During Pregnancy
One of the reasons that women do not seek treatment for depression during pregnancy is because they do not want to take any medication. Chances are these women have heard that depression medication poses a risk to their unborn baby, so they would rather not take medication. Now while some medications, including those used to treat depression, are not always the safest to take during pregnancy that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken. In several cases the risks of leaving the condition untreated is worse than the risks of taking the medication, which is true for some women who suffer from depression. However, there are other treatment options available. Medications are often used in severe cases.
If you are suffering from mild or even moderate depression chances are a nonmedicinal treatment plan will work for you. Here is a quick look at the different treatment plans and how they work.
*Omega-3 Fatty Acids –This is usually taken as a supplement, but can be found in certain foods, such as walnuts and fish. However, pregnant women are advised to limit the amount of fish they eat due to the presence of mercury. How this helps treat depression in pregnant women is the fatty acids help improve moods.
*Acupuncture – With this method, tiny needles are placed in certain areas of the body that is believed to influence a person’s mood. This is considered a Chinese practice and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
*Psychotherapy – The perfect example of this is cognitive behavioral therapy. How this method works is a therapist will teach you different ways to deal with your current thoughts and emotions.
*Light Therapy – This treatment method involves exposure to artificial sunlight at certain times of the day. This often helps elevate the symptoms of depression because it affects the part of the brain that controls your mood.
No matter if you are thinking about taking medication or are seeking a nonmedicinal treatment it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as these symptoms start. The sooner your depression is treated the better!
Image Source: psychcentral.com
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