Pregnancy is a very emotional experience. Some women find it difficult to know exact feelings and they are not able to manage themselves. Depression in pregnancy is likely to be common and can have a direct effect on your emotions as well as on your activities.

Depression during pregnancy is a mood disorder. It is biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry. During pregnancy, many changes undergo in the body and the hormone changes are one of them. They affect the chemicals in your brain, which are related to depression and anxiety. These changes further create a pregnant suicidal situation.

Symptoms

• Persistent sadness

• Difficulty in concentrating

• Sleeping too much or too less

• Loss of interest in activities

• Recurring thoughts of death, or hopelessness

• Anxiety

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Change in eating habits

Reasons

• Relationship issues

• Family or personal history of depression

• Infertility treatments

• Previous pregnancy failure

• Stressful life events

• Complications in pregnancy

Is Depression During Pregnancy Harmful To The Baby?

Depression can have potentially dangerous risks to the mother and baby. Untreated depression leads to poor nutrition, drinking, smoking, and suicidal thoughts, which can then cause premature birth, and developmental problems.

A woman who is suffering from depression needs to take care of herself and her developing baby. But if you find it difficult to cope up with it, or your symptoms last for more its better option for you to get medical advice.

Treatment

Some researches show that there are long-term effects of antidepressant medications which are taken during pregnancy as they may be linked to problems in newborns such as physical malformations, heart problems, pulmonary hypertension, and low birth weight.

A woman with mild to moderate depression, it is important for her to get it treated.

• Social support: You can join any community services or parenting education.

• Family therapy: You can spend time with your partner and or children.

• Individual therapy: Talking one-on-one with a family doctor, a psychiatrist.

• Medication: You can take help of drugs to treat depression.

Women need to know about the medications they take to cross the placenta and reach their babies. If a woman is dealing with severe depression, then medication is recommended. But while treating with major depression, the risks and benefits need to be examined very carefully. The medication should be which offer the most help, and with the smallest risk to the baby.

Natural Ways to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

Some women avoid using antidepressants during pregnancy, because of its effects on the baby. So they are interested in trying other ways to treat depression.

Some natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of depression:

• Exercise

• Get adequate rest

• Diet and Nutrition

• Acupuncture

You have to be responsible for yourself and your baby and get medical advice as soon as possible. If you do not feel comfortable while discussing it to health care provider about your feelings of depression, find someone else who can understand you. It is very important to discuss the suicidal thoughts while pregnant and never try to hide it to yourself.