Depression during pregnancy

Your pregnancy test is positive and you want to share the good news with everyone. We congratulate you, embrace you! Yes, you are happy to be pregnant, but deep inside yourself, it is not expected ecstasy. A small depression show even the tip of his nose. You feel guilty for being sad, short, not great shape. You are not alone: some mothers go through this difficult phase.

Symptoms of depression

Pregnancy can be a time serene and very joyful. Unfortunately, we are not all housed in the same boat. At least 10% of pregnant women suffer from bouts of depression.

This is a taboo for some mothers. We always returns being pregnant was a joyous time. Is then put this sadness on account of sullen moods that often accompany pregnancy. But depression can be a real problem for some women.



There is not a very specific list of symptoms indicating depression: they vary from woman to woman. Some are sad all the time, others are irritable and have a tear in his eye. Others feel useless and withdraw into themselves. Depression can affect you emotionally and physically.

Here are some symptoms that may mimic depression:

- inability to concentrate,
- anxiety,
- irritability,
- sleep disorders,
- Extreme fatigue or permanent
- want to eat constantly or on the contrary, a total loss of appetite,
- indifference, no pleasure in anything,
- permanent sadness.

What causes depression?

It was long thought that the pregnancy hormones had a "protective effect" against depression, because of this sense of well-being felt by most pregnant women. Yet it is now recognized that stress and tension experienced by expectant mothers make them more vulnerable. It's the same for mothers of young children.

If some things are not going well in your life at some point, you become more vulnerable to depression. For example, during pregnancy, marital problems are causing many depressions. If your relationship is in trouble, or if you live in Solo this pregnancy, you are more likely to experience depression.

Small problems or big hassle, other causes:

- The stressful events of everyday life

You are relocating to a larger house in preparation for baby's arrival? You have problems at work? Any major change in life, such a move, bereavement or job loss can lead to depression. Get help!

- Incomes too low

Unemployment, lack of professional qualifications may be difficult to live. We also know that lack of income have a strong influence in depression during pregnancy.

- A pregnancy "problem"

Pregnancy chaotic - with strong morning sickness, for example - can be exhausting mentally. An unwanted pregnancy at the time of your life can also play on your emotional health.

- Complications of previous pregnancy

Experience of pregnancy and childbirth can destabilize delicate for these nine months. Studies have shown that a previous pregnancy complications are associated with antenatal depression.

- An infertility or pregnancy terminated

If you had trouble getting pregnant, or if you have a miscarriage, it is legitimate to be disturbed by this new adventure.

- A child abuse, past or present

Pregnancy may be the trigger of a spousal abuse, or the aggravation. It can also be traced back painful memories for women undergoing emotional, sexual, physical or verbal. Your body undergoes changes that you can not control, and a lot can then return to the surface. During your appointment for pregnancy, you may find quality time to talk about any abuse, past or present. Your midwife or obstetrician will then help you and support you.

- Family or personal history of depression

If in your family circle, there is a history of depression, or if you have personally ever had, it is possible that you suffer during your pregnancy. Studies show, however, that these antecedents rather increase the risk of depression after the birth.

Your midwife or gynecologist will ask you questions about your current and past mental health during your visits. Feel free to talk about your troubles. Solutions exist.

How to cope?

- Keep cool. Resist the urge to make up things before the birth of your baby. It seems you may be "vital" to prepare his room, clean the house, or break up your work before maternity leave, but it's wrong! Slow down! The priority is you. You will not have much time to you once baby arrives. Read a book, take a breakfast in bed, or find your girlfriends. Take care of yourself, it is also home to the baby growing inside you.

- Move!. This is obviously not the ideal time to start a major program of fitness. However, regular exercise and sweet will do good morale. Swimming, walking and yoga for pregnant women are recommended. To learn more, try the exercises recommended during pregnancy, and try to do three sessions a week.

- Talk!. Do not push your partner, continue to share with him. You need his support: he can not understand you if you open up to him. If you run your solo pregnancy, share your fears and anxieties for the future with your friends and family.

- Follow a therapy or request counseling. If after two weeks of efforts to clear your mind, you continue to mope, you may want to see a therapist. You must find someone you trust, and that puts you at ease. Antidepressants (some are permitted during pregnancy) may also be offered to you in more severe cases of depression. If you do not want to take drugs, alternatives do exist. Talk to your midwife or obstetrician.

When should we really worry?

If you have ideas very dark, suicidal, if you feel disoriented, unable to manage daily, or if you are taking anxiety attacks, contact your doctor immediately. If your relationship with food is difficult, check, baby needs food to grow.

Make an appointment with a therapist is not a sign of weakness. Instead, you're a good mom who wants to take control of their health, and protect her baby.

The future

Research has shown that there was a link between depression during pregnancy and postnatal depression. Warning, this does not mean that if you have been depressed during pregnancy, you will inevitably after the birth of your baby.

Experts are still trying to understand the different types of depression during pregnancy, in order to "predict" what women are more at risk for postpartum depression. Today create a support network consisting of friends, family members, your partner, your doctor, is the assurance that your suffering is already recognized. Once the baby is born, assistance may be set up if the need is felt.