Depression in pregnancy. How to deal with it?.

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What is depression and what do we know about it?

Depression is an illness that, according to the World Health Organisation, manifests itself:

- sadness;

- loss of interest;

- lack of pleasure;

- guilt;

- low self-esteem;

- sleep and appetite disturbances;

- a feeling of fatigue;

- decline in concentration.

It is now described as the fourth most serious disease in the world. According to the WHO, as many as 350 million people are currently affected worldwide. In Poland, this number is 1.8 million people. The figures are alarming and doctors are warning that one in four deaths may soon be caused by depression.

The most important thing to understand about the essence of depression is that it is not just a temporary lowering of mood. It is a serious mental disorder that requires specialised help and treatment. Exactly where depression comes from is not known. However, there are certain factors that may be the cause of the onset of the illness:

- difficult life situation, e.g. death, turning point in life, divorce, etc;

- very low self-esteem resulting from a toxic environment;

- genetic conditions;

- hormone-related brain disorders.

Few people realise that depression also very often affects women who are pregnant. How to deal with depression during pregnancy?

Symptoms and causes of depression in pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of dynamic changes in the mother's body, both on a biological level, mainly hormonal, and on a psychological level. Often women begin to suffer from depression when confronted with the many anxieties associated with pregnancy, childbirth and the health of the baby. Pregnancy is usually a privileged time for a woman, which means that people around her do not take her changes in mood, bad moods or anxiety very seriously. This is a huge mistake, because, according to experts, untreated depression during pregnancy can result in developmental disorders in the child.

Spotting depression in pregnancy is extremely difficult. Why? Because especially at the beginning, a woman may be tired, have a lowered mood and feel extreme emotions. If one notices that these emotions are interspersed with well-being and a happy mood - then there is no cause for concern. However, if the feeling of depression does not go away, you should see a specialist. But how do you deal with depression during pregnancy?

How to treat depression in pregnancy?

Many people wonder how to treat depression during pregnancy. Since 1 January 2019, the standards related to perinatal care have changed in Poland. Currently, between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy and between 34 and 37, the midwife or gynaecologist should determine the mental state of the pregnant woman in the course of an interview. Screening tests can be carried out to help identify depression. Women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy are most at risk of depression.

The most effective method is to go to a psychiatrist, who will diagnose the illness and help the mother-to-be through her pregnancy. It is advisable to go to a doctor who is both a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist, but contact with a psychiatrist is crucial at the beginning of treatment. In addition, there are also various support groups and psychotherapies (to which the doctor will refer if necessary), where a woman can receive invaluable help in sharing her fears and thoughts.

If you are wondering: which medication to use for depression in pregnancy, unfortunately in the case of pregnancy, drug treatment is not the first choice of doctors. You should absolutely not reach for medication on your own. If it is necessary, a psychiatrist will select the appropriate measures.

Does depression during pregnancy affect the baby?

Depression can affect both the physical condition of the mother and the baby. Untreated depression during pregnancy, doubles the risk:

- premature birth;

- pre-eclampsia;

- the incidence of diabetes.

It is also associated with lower birth weight and smaller head circumference of the baby.[5]

Postnatal depression is also common in women and can take the joy out of the first months of motherhood. It occurs in more than half of women who have started to suffer from depression during pregnancy. The care of a psychiatrist and possibly a psychotherapist during pregnancy, as well as the invaluable support of those closest to you, can reduce the risk of mental illness during this special time of the arrival of a child in the world.