How to cope with depression during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is accompanied by significant changes in the work of the whole body of a woman. The development of female sex hormones before gestation occurred cyclically: from one menstrual cycle to another. After the fertilization of the egg by the sperm and attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus, fluctuations in the hormonal background are aimed at maintaining pregnancy, ensuring the growth and development of the fetus. The mood swings that occurred before the onset of menstruation due to the production of the hormone progesterone and the drop in the level of estrogen, in some women increase during pregnancy. MedAboutMe introduces future parents with the causes of bad mood and depression in pregnant women, and also talks about methods for correcting the condition.
Perception of pregnancy
Getting a long-awaited positive result on beta hCG is a real celebration for the whole family. Unfortunately, not always the onset of pregnancy is a joyful moment. In the event that the parents decide to leave the child, you need to be aware of what can contribute to the development of a depressive state during pregnancy.
What is depression in pregnant women?
Depression is a condition that is accompanied by a depressed, bad mood, tearfulness, with which it is difficult for a woman to cope on her own without the availability of relevant knowledge and experience.
Risk factors for depression
- Heredity
Scientists have identified the relationship between the emergence of depression between generations. The probability of its development increases in the event that a mother or grandmother is emotionally difficult to experience her pregnancy.
- Tension in communicating with the father of the child
The lack of harmony in the family is one of the main risk factors for the development of prenatal depression. Mood swings that occur in a woman in a “position” can not be tolerated by every man. The deterioration of relationships is promoted by a change in the external parameters of the body, a gain of excess weight during gestation, as well as a lack of sex life.
- Stressful situations
Emotional overstrain, stressful situations occur in the life of every person everywhere. An unpleasant conversation with the authorities, a missed alarm clock, quarrels and conflict situations can unbalance anyone. Intrauterine development of the fetus helps to enhance the perception of events occurring in the surrounding world. This is explained both by a change in the hormonal background, and the development of a protective reaction of the body – the maternal instinct, since the woman is now responsible not only for herself, but also for her future offspring.
- Accompanying illnesses
Infections, inflammatory processes during pregnancy, exacerbation of chronic diseases, febrile and pain syndrome weaken the immune system, at the same time contribute to the development depressed.
- Risk of miscarriage
The uncertainty that arises when the pregnancy is threatened is able to knock even the most emotionally resistant people out of the rut.
How can parents cope with emotional experiences?
The accumulated knowledge of the medical community has allowed to develop a comprehensive strategy for the correction of mood swings during pregnancy. Following the recommendations of obstetrician-gynecologists and medical psychologists allows minimizing the risks of depression in women in the “position”, as well as create a favorable environment for preparing for childbirth.
- Changing attitudes to stressful situations
Parents who have revised their attitude to everyday stress, which occurs at work and in interpersonal relationships, have reduced the likelihood of a bad mood and tearfulness. Respiratory and meditative practices help to strengthen the spirit, inner spirit.
- Creating a favorable family environment
The family is a fortress for every member of the family. The establishment of relations between the father of the child and the future mother is promoted by a joint pleasant pastime. Going to the theater, trips to nature, watching movies (which everyone was going to watch, but did not find the time) – everyone chooses something for themselves. It should be remembered that scientists have proven: sexual relationships are an opportunity to harmonize relationships in a family, because during orgasm there is a release of joy hormones (endorphins). Before resuming sexual activity, it is necessary to consult a physician to identify the absence of contraindications to sexual intercourse.
- Recuperation
As you know, during pregnancy a woman’s body may fall into the so-called hibernation. All efforts are aimed at ensuring adequate growth and development of the fetus. That is why, so that a bad mood does not arise, a pregnant woman needs to rest and get enough sleep every day, find time for herself. Having filled life with small and big joys, you can forget about the existence of a bad mood.
- Exercise stress
Dosed walks in the fresh air in the company of close friends contribute to the maintenance of muscle tone, as well as the fight against the blues.
- Proper nutrition
Balanced nutrition during of pregnancy allows you to keep the body in shape, reduces the risk of gestational edema. In the morning, you can allow yourself a little more in the diet and eat bitter chocolate up to thirty-five grams per day.
- Herbal infusions
In order to relax and achieve a mild sedative effect, obstetrician-gynecologists in some cases prescribe valerian extract one or two tablets several times a day. It should be remembered that valerian absolutely safe and does not adversely affect the fetus.
Depression is a clinical condition that can be corrected with the availability of knowledge and skills, as well as with the right approach. In the most severe cases, medical psychologists come to the aid of parents.