Financial worries during pregnancy: Pregnancy and Financial Stress

Pregnancy and Financial Stress

Researchers say any stress during pregnancy can affect a baby, but they say financial worries seem to have the biggest impact.

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest periods of a mother’s life.

Your body supporting the life of a growing baby.

Setting up a nursery and buying tiny, adorable clothes.

Readying your world for the arrival of this new bundle of joy.

However, for many pregnant women, those nine months before the baby arrives are also filled with worry and anxiety.

New research reveals that stress can have a lasting impact on your baby.

In particular, women who feel anxious or stressed about finances during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with a lower birth weight, according to the study published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health.

Read more: The incredible shrinking brain of new mothers »

Researchers at the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center asked 138 pregnant women to assess their pregnancy-related stress and anxiety.

The major areas of pregnancy-specific distress included worries about labor and delivery, concerns over changing relationships, and fears of health issues for the baby.

But it was financial distress that researchers found had the greatest impact on the baby’s health at the time of delivery.

“Having a new baby on the way can exacerbate financial concerns within a household,” Amanda Mitchell, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at the Wexner Medical Center, and lead author of the study, told Healthline. “This means that psychological interventions which address pregnancy-related anxiety, such as helping women and their partners prepare for changes in their work, childcare, and medical expenses, could be a good target to help reduce the adverse effects of financial stress on infant birth weight.”

To assess a woman’s financial well-being, the study investigators asked three questions:

1. How difficult is living on your
   current income?
2. How likely is it that your family
   will experience financial hardships, such as inadequate housing, food, and
   medical care, in the next two months?
3. How likely is it you’ll have to
   reduce your standard of living to make ends meet?

After the women’s babies were born, the researchers reviewed medical records from the delivery to compare the baby’s birth weight with the mother’s survey responses.

While the number of babies with low birth weights was small — 11 of the babies were born at a low birth weight — the link was clear to researchers.

Women who demonstrated the greatest financial hardship were more likely to have babies with a low birth weight.

Low birth weight is considered 5 pounds, 5 ounces or lower. About 8 percent of babies born in the United States are born under this threshold.

Low birth weight is a life-long concern.

Babies born underweight are more likely to need expensive intensive care in the first weeks and months of life.

They are also more likely to develop chronic medical issues, including respiratory and digestive problems, heart disease, and obesity.

Read more: Pregnant women face higher risk of potentially dangerous leg ailment »

Previous studies have revealed that women with a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have babies with a lower birth weight.

The stress and anxiety of financial concerns has a clear impact on the baby’s health.

Going into this study, the researchers knew of this connection.

What they were surprised to find, however, was that the results were the same across other income levels.

“These findings held after controlling for income level, meaning that it is important to consider both the effects of income as well as perceptions of financial stress in the context of maternal health,” Mitchell said. “Having said that, lower income was associated with greater financial stress and thus future research should consider whether the strength of these relationships plays a role in why women with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to deliver babies of low birth weight.”

Read more: The dangers of gaining too much weight during pregnancy »

So, if you’re a mother-to-be under some financial strain, what should you do?

“It is well known that stress and stressors directly affect our health, whether we want to admit it or not,” Dr. Sherry Ross, OB-GYN, and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, told Healthline. “Stress not only affects your body physically, but also affects our emotions and behaviors. Stress quietly and silently affects us, and if you are carrying a passenger in the womb, there are negative consequences affecting both of you.”

Indeed, stress isn’t simply a mental health issue.

Stress can greatly impact your diet, your exercise, and your sleep.

It can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, high blood pressure, and more.

“If significant stress lasts the entire nine months, the baby will definitely be affected in damaging ways,” Ross said.

As any mother or father can tell you, pregnancy is filled with plenty of things to worry about.

Ross said that’s why it’s important you find ways to reduce unwanted stress and eliminate factors that compound any anxiety you’re feeling.

“Regular exercise, including yoga, meditation, and practicing mindfulness along with eating a healthy diet, drinking eight to 10, 12-ounce glasses of water, and sleeping at least seven hours a night is helpful,” Ross says.

“Many women may also benefit from formal support groups or counseling services,” added Mitchell.

If you’re feeling overly anxious or worried about any aspect of life and you’re pregnant, speak with your OB-GYN.

Finding ways to reduce your stress and assess what’s happening in your life can benefit both you and your growing baby.

“Since stress has such a negative impact on the health of the growing baby,” Ross said, “the conversation has to be a part of prenatal care during the entire pregnancy and the postpartum period as well.”

Stress during pregnancy due to financial challenges

Pregnant women often worry about financial challenges ahead.

In fact, financial worries are an important and common cause of stress during pregnancy.

Undoubtedly, the pregnancy, birth, postpartum care and raising a child could be expensive.

According to a study in USA, it was estimated that on an average, middle-income married couples spend $233,610 on raising a child through 17 years of age.

In many parts of the world, pregnant women have to pay for antenatal
and postnatal care (and all necessary medications if required).

Sometimes, income might go down for working women if they would choose to have longer maternity leave or going part-time on their return to work.

Many women may even lose their job due to pregnancy discrimination or leave their jobs to facilitate childcare.

Common expenses include:

1. Buying prenatal vitamins

2. Maternity clothing

3. Nursery furniture

4. Car seat

5. Nappies/ clothing/ toys and other accessories

6. Pram/ Stroller

7. Childcare

Plan your finances

With better financial planning and preparation during
pregnancy, it could be possible to deal with the challenges in a much better
way.

1. Track your expenses.

2. Spend wisely on clothing, furniture and other baby
accessories.

3. Explore any maternity benefits/ grants you are entitled
to, in the country you live in.

4. Avoid signing up to big loans etc. during pregnancy or immediately postpartum.

5. If you are struggling with a debt, then speak to a
qualified adviser or discuss with the lender regarding the possibility of any
flexible payment plans.

Ensure self-care

In spite of proper planning, money worries can still be
overwhelming during pregnancy and an after the childbirth.

Difficult times do pass. So, please take a step back and
ensure that you are looking after yourself in this vital period of life.

1. Discuss and share your worries with your partner or a
family member or friend you trust.

2. Ensure you are taking time to exercise, rest and
participate in some relaxation activities. Also, have regular meals and healthy
diet.

3. Avoid smoking and alcohol to cope with stress. They are
not only harmful during pregnancy, but also may make the financial situation
worse.

4. If possible, avoid working extra hours to increase income during pregnancy. It could put additional strain on your physical and mental health and worsen work-related stress.

Effect of financial
strain on pregnancy outcome

Research suggests that psychological stress due to financial difficulties may result in low-birth-weight babies. However, more studies are required to get robust evidence on this matter.

So, please do not get too concerned if you are feeling overwhelmed with financial worries.

You are not alone as anxiety related to financial situation is very common among pregnant women all across the world.

Maternity
discrimination does not help anyone

Many pregnant women face unacceptable discrimination at work. Sometimes, they are demoted, declined a pay rise/ bonus or promotion or dismissed or treated so badly that they do not have any other choice but to leave work.

Moreover, such discrimination also increases work-related stress and related sickness.

As a result, many women experience a significant reduction in income during or after pregnancy. For example, women collectively lose about £113 million/ year in the UK during this period.

However, employers also incur a significant financial loss for treating pregnant women with discrimination.

For example, British businesses lose £280 million/ UK due to a loss of productivity, new recruitments (to replace the employee) and training new recruits.

This huge cost is over and above the expenses for employment
tribunals and damage to reputation and compensation paid for improper
dismissals.

A pregnancy and family-friendly workplace can not only save
financial loss (both for the employees and employers) but also improve
productivity and progress of the society both in short and long-term.

Doctors from SM-Clinic and SM-Doctor told how pregnancy affects the female psyche

Expecting a baby is not only endless joy, but also anxiety. The expectant mother realizes that she has a huge responsibility for the life of a new person. And the reaction to this realization is different — the experts explained why this happens.

ANASTASIA IVANOV

Psychotherapist at the SM-Doctor clinic for children and adolescents in Maryina Roshcha

“A woman understands that with pregnancy her independent existence ends, that now she is not alone, a treasure has appeared inside her, for which she is responsible. The growth and development of the baby depends on how she feels, what she eats, how she sleeps, what emotions she experiences.

During this period, nature itself seems to protect a woman: her processes of thinking and perception of information slow down — some pregnant women complain of difficulties with memorization. All this is important and necessary for one thing: to switch the look of the expectant mother from social life to contact with her own body. After all, she must recognize the slightest changes, signals about a change in her state very carefully.

These symptoms reflect not only the physical, but also the mental state of women carrying a child under the heart.

1. Weakness, fatigue. There is a feeling of a breakdown, daytime sleepiness appears, and night sleep is restless and does not give a feeling of rest. Concentration of attention, and with it performance, are falling.

2. Frequent headaches. The feeling of squeezing, constriction and tingling in the forehead and occiput increases with intellectual stress, changes in atmospheric pressure.

3. Emotional swing. From laughter to tears, from emotion to melancholy and sadness — this is how the emotions of pregnant women change. And sometimes such fluctuations occur for seemingly the most insignificant reasons.

4. Irritability. Minor non-standard situations begin to unbalance. There are outbursts of anger, especially in the early stages. Often, pregnant women become ardent brawlers who do not miss a single conflict situation and, as if out of thin air, create new ones.

5. Tearfulness. Tears well up at the most inopportune moment.

6. Depressive mood. Arises due to the non-acceptance by the future mother of the changed state of affairs, the new way of life, new restrictions — financial, social, physical. Strengthen this state of conflict relations with other people, sleep disorders.

7. Anxiety. Anxiety for no reason or real fears can overwhelm the expectant mother. Alas, not every woman perceives the very fact of pregnancy calmly, and the accompanying life worries add fuel to the fire. Often, increased anxiety indicates a lack of confidence in oneself, in one’s condition. Panic moods cover the sphere of the future of a woman and relate mainly to the issues of the upcoming birth, motherhood. But sometimes non-specific fears appear — closed spaces, insects, etc.

Lyubov Krushinsky

LOVE KRUSHINSKY

Medical psychologist at SM-Clinic

New role

In childhood, girls play mother-daughter, developing maternal instinct, but adult life requires a different experience. A pregnant woman becomes more vulnerable and defenseless, so along with responsibility, the emotional burden on her grows. Fears, anxieties, worries overwhelm her, not only for the baby, but also for his future.

Being pregnant, a woman becomes more sensitive to changes around her. She begins to worry and react to everything that happens in the world: whether a new virus is dangerous, whether there is a war or not, very soon she will bring the baby into this world. Since a woman is gradually withdrawing from social life, it is very important that she feel the support and care not only of her husband, but of the whole extended family.

Beautiful and loved

The mood during pregnancy is also affected by the fact that a woman, in her opinion, ceases to be attractive to her husband in terms of sexuality, she becomes less desirable, and this will always be the case. For some women, this internal conflict is so strong that they lose touch with the child. Therefore, depending on the behavior of the spouse, the woman either calms down and relaxes, or is even more worried about this. Of course, a lot depends on the relationship in the couple, on how consciously the husband and wife approached conception and focused on the expectation of the baby.

TATYANA POTAPOVA

Doctor-psychologist, medical psychologist, associate professor, candidate of medical sciences, doctor of the 1st category, leading specialist of the holding «SM-Clinic»

Scientists identify six styles of behavior for expectant mothers, and each of them has its own emotional coloring.

Adequate style

The name speaks for itself. A woman endures pregnancy without strong and lasting negative emotions. He behaves calmly and balanced, is fully aware of the new situation and does not experience excessive emotional experiences about this.

Alarm

The pregnant woman is concerned about her health and the health of the baby. She asks a lot of questions, most of which are aimed at identifying problems associated with gestation. How does the environment influence, whether her belly size is normal and the like.

Euphoric

Perceives pregnancy exclusively in rainbow colors, sees no problems either within nine months or after the birth of a child. All fantasies and expectations are idealistic and divorced from reality. Such mothers, as a rule, have difficulties in the postpartum period, when expectations and reality do not match. At these moments, a woman can become aggressive.

Ignoring

Quite late, he realizes himself “in position”, taking “talking” symptoms for poisoning or menstrual cycle failure. And the fact of conception does not please her, but causes only annoyance and surprise. The development of the crumbs in the tummy, even its first stirring does not give positive emotions.

Ambivalent

The symptoms are similar to the anxious style, but are characterized by a more unstable emotional state. A woman may change her mood and attitude towards pregnancy more often. At one moment she wants a child, at another she believes that she is not yet ready. Negative emotions are explained by fear for the health of the child and circumstances that may affect the course of pregnancy.

Rejector

Basically, this style of behavior is characteristic of forced pregnancy. Negative emotions are strongly expressed here. A woman perceives what happens to her as a hindrance on her life path or as a punishment for some sins. Bad mood, depression affect the physical condition. However, it is not a fact that after the birth of a child, she will be ready to abandon him.

This situation is quite common in pregnant women who already have children. Moms are focused on caring for them, not for the unborn baby. Moreover, many women consider the onset of another pregnancy from a material point of view, whether she can put the baby on her feet. It is, rather, a historical phenomenon imprinted in our genetic code, when the representatives of the weaker sex had to rely only on their own strength.

Therefore, during pregnancy, a woman, first of all, needs attention, safety, acceptance of her fears and doubts, separation of experiences. Then the attitude to the changes that are happening to her will be healthy and positive.

Published on parents.ru

symptoms, causes, treatment and recommendations

Content

• 1 Depression during pregnancy: symptoms, causes and effective treatment
  • 1.1 Depression during pregnancy: everything you need to know
    • 1.1.1 Causes of depression
    • 1.1.2 Symptoms of depression
    • 1.1.3 Treatment of depression
  • 1.2 Understanding depression in pregnancy
  • 1.3 Symptoms of depression during pregnancy
  • 1.4 Causes of depression during pregnancy
  • 1.5 Effects of depression on pregnancy and newborn
  • 1.6 How to avoid depression during pregnancy
  • 1.7 How to communicate about depression during pregnancy with loved ones and doctors
  • 1.8 Diagnosis of depression during pregnancy
  • 1.9 Treatment of depression during pregnancy: safe methods
  • 1. 10 Therapeutic approaches to the treatment of depression in pregnant women
    • 1.10.1 Psycho therapy
    • 1.10.2 Drug therapy
    • 1.10.3 Lifestyle modification
  • 1.11 Effects of depression during pregnancy on birth and the postpartum period
  • 1.12 Advice for depressed pregnant women
    • 1.12.1 Be open with your doctor
    • 1.12.2 Seek support from family and friends
    • 1.12.3 Get physically active
    • 1.1 2.4 Try relaxation techniques
    • 1.12 .5 Watch your diet
    • 1.12.6 Get enough rest
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What are the symptoms Can depression occur in a pregnant woman?
      • 1.14.0.2 What causes depression during pregnancy?
      • 1.14.0.3 How can depression be treated during pregnancy?
      • 1.14.0.4 Can medications for depression harm a child?
      • 1.14.0.5 What can be done to prevent depression during pregnancy?
      • 1. 14.0.6 Is it possible to beat depression during pregnancy without medication?

Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression during pregnancy. Useful information for expectant mothers and their loved ones.

Pregnancy is a unique time when a woman experiences intense physical and emotional stress. But what to do when depression joins this? This state of anxiety, sadness and hopelessness can be severe and lead to negative health outcomes for mother and child.

Possible causes of depression during pregnancy can be various: changes in hormone production, stress, heredity, social and economic instability. Often there is also a combination of several factors that only increase the risk of developing depression.

Not all women pay attention to the signs of depression during pregnancy, and many of them just wait for it all to pass. However, timely treatment, which may include psychotherapy, drugs, and other therapies, is strongly recommended to prevent possible negative consequences for the health and well-being of the mother and child.

All you need to know about depression during pregnancy

Causes of depression

Depression during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be hormonal changes, fear of childbirth, financial problems, difficulties in relationships with your partner, or medical problems.

It is also worth considering genetic factors and the presence of depression before pregnancy. If a woman has already had depression before, then the likelihood of it occurring during pregnancy is an order of magnitude higher.

Similarlydecreased or increased appetite,

decreased self-esteem and feelings of inferiority.

Treatment of depression

It is important to remember that depression during pregnancy is a serious illness that can adversely affect the health of the expectant mother and child. Treatment may include drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. It is important to seek the help of a specialist in order to get professional advice and determine the best treatment plan.

It is also worth remembering that prevention of depression during pregnancy includes a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, activity, regular visits to the doctor and maintaining a circle of close people who can support in difficult times.

Understanding depression in pregnancy

Depression in pregnancy is a serious mental disorder that manifests itself as a constant feeling of sadness and despair. This affects not only the expectant mother, but also the health of her child. Many women do not understand what is happening to them and do not seek help in time.

Treatment for depression during pregnancy may include psychotherapy, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes. However, the best way to avoid depression is to prepare for future motherhood in advance, communicate with specialists, engage in special exercises and choose a calm and supportive environment.

Symptoms of depression during pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy manifests itself differently in each woman, but there is a certain set of signs that may indicate the development of this psychological disorder.

1. Constant tiredness and drowsiness — a woman may experience constant fatigue and feel that she never gets enough sleep, even if she sleeps enough.
2. Changes in appetite and weight — during pregnancy, a woman may feel constant hunger or, conversely, no need to eat, which can lead to a significant change in weight.
3. Feelings of helplessness and restlessness — a woman may feel that she is unable to cope with her usual tasks, be helpless and restless.
4. Mood changes — a woman may experience mood variability, a constant feeling of sadness and sadness.
5. Loss of interest in ordinary activities — a woman may stop being interested in the things she likes and lose interest in her hobbies.

If a woman notices such changes in her psychological state, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist and start treatment for depression during pregnancy on time.

Causes of depression during pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy can have various causes. One of the reasons is changes in the level of hormones in a woman’s body. During pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone and estrogen rise, as well as changes in cortisol and serotonin levels, which can lead to mood disorders and depression.

Also, the appearance of depression can be influenced by heredity and personality traits. Some women may be prone to depression and have a reduced tolerance for stress, which can lead to depression during pregnancy.

Finally, the occurrence of depression during pregnancy can be influenced by the reluctance or unexpectedness of pregnancy. The reluctance to become pregnant can cause feelings of dissatisfaction and confusion, and the unexpectedness of pregnancy can cause fear and anxiety.

Effects of depression on pregnancy and newborn

Depression during pregnancy can seriously affect the health of the expectant mother and her baby. Changes in hormone levels, physical and psychological stress, and the presence of other factors can trigger the development of depression. For example, women who already have a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders are prone to new episodes during pregnancy.

Depression affects pregnancy by increasing the chance of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, oligohydramnios, or the development of preeclampsia, high blood pressure that can affect liver and kidney function and be life-threatening for mother and baby. In addition, depression can cause changes in the growth and development of the fetus, as well as lead to low birth weight and a poor adjustment period in the postpartum period.

Newborn babies may show increased irritability and anxiety if their mothers suffer from depression during pregnancy. These children may have difficulty establishing an emotional bond with their mother, which may affect their psychological development in the future. Studies also show a higher risk of developing autism in children of mothers suffering from depression during pregnancy.

To avoid the adverse effects of depression on yourself and your child, it is important to see a doctor and get the right care. The doctor may recommend treatment and support in the form of psychotherapy, medication, or other methods to help the mother-to-be cope with depression and ensure the healthy development of the fetus and baby.

How to Avoid Depression During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a unique time in a woman’s life when her body and mind go through complex changes. During this period, fears, anxieties and nervousness inevitably arise, which can cause depression. How to prevent the occurrence of this mental disorder?

• Support from loved ones. It is important that a pregnant woman feel the support of her loved ones — her husband, parents, friends. Communication with people who treat her with love and care will help to cope with stress.
• Healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, moderation in alcohol consumption and avoidance of smoking — all this will help maintain the physical and mental health of the expectant mother.
• Visiting a psychotherapist. If a woman feels that her anxieties and fears are too strong, it is worth contacting a psychotherapist. The specialist will help you avoid depression and teach effective methods of relaxation.

We must not forget that depression during pregnancy is not a death sentence. In most cases, it goes away after childbirth, especially if the pregnant woman receives the necessary support and assistance.

How to communicate about depression during pregnancy with loved ones and doctors

Pregnancy is not only joy and happiness, but also experiences and stress. The mother-to-be may face many problems, including depression during pregnancy . To solve this problem, it is important to talk with relatives and doctors.

Communication with loved ones is the first step in treating pregnancy depression. Tell them about your feelings and emotions. Let them know about your depression and give you support. Together you can cope with all the difficulties and alleviate your condition.

It is important not to forget about doctors . They may offer you help and support. Tell your doctor about your feelings and concerns. This will help him provide you with the help and treatment you need. Feel free to talk to your doctor — he is a specialist and knows how to help you the best.

Don’t worry that you won’t be able to communicate with your loved ones and doctors about pregnancy depression. On the contrary, tell them about your feelings and try to find out the reasons for your depression. Together you can find solutions that will allow you to enjoy your pregnancy and wait for your baby with a smile on your face.

Diagnosis of depression during pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy is a serious psychological illness that can affect the health of mother and child. However, diagnosing depression during pregnancy can be difficult, as some of the symptoms may be related to normal changes in a pregnant woman’s body.

Doctors can use a number of tools to help diagnose depression during pregnancy. They may ask questions about mood, emotional state, and symptoms that may indicate depression. Standard tests for depression can also be used to help detect the presence of the disease.

Medical tests may also be used to diagnose depression during pregnancy. For example, specialists may test for thyroid and other chemical imbalances to look for factors that may contribute to depression.

• It is important to remember that depression during pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose, as some of the symptoms may be related to normal body changes.
• Doctors use a range of tools to help diagnose depression, including questions about mood, emotional state, and standard tests for depression.
• Medical research can also be used to identify factors that contribute to the development of depression.

Treatment of depression during pregnancy: safe methods

Depression during pregnancy is a common condition that often goes unattended and untreated. But it is impossible not to treat depression during pregnancy — it can affect the health of the expectant mother and the development of the child. It should also be borne in mind that not all treatments for depression during pregnancy are safe for the mother and her baby.

However, there are safe treatments for depression during pregnancy. One of them is psychotherapy. This method of treating depression does not involve taking medication, which makes it safe for the expectant mother. Psychotherapy can help the expectant mother to understand the causes of depression, teach her effective methods of dealing with depression and give her self-confidence.

Another well-established treatment for depression during pregnancy is physical activity. Yoga, Pilates, outdoor walking are just some of the ways a mom-to-be can improve her physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise will help eliminate stress, improve your mood and give you energy for the whole day.

• Psychotherapy is a safe treatment for depression during pregnancy;
• Physical activity is a great way to fight depression during pregnancy;
• Medicines are not safe for the expectant mother and should only be used after consulting a doctor.

In any case, if the expectant mother is diagnosed with depression during pregnancy, treatment should begin as soon as possible. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will help determine the cause of depression and select effective and safe treatments for each specific case. Together with your doctor, you can find the best solution for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.

Therapeutic approaches to treating depression in pregnant women

There are several approaches to treating depression in women during pregnancy, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modification.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for depression in pregnant women. Various forms of psychotherapy can help women better understand their feelings and thoughts, learn how to manage stress and make effective decisions. In addition, psychotherapy can reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression.

Medication

Medication may be an effective treatment for depression in pregnant women, but should only be started by a qualified physician. Some antidepressants, such as sertraline and fluoxetine, are considered relatively safe to take during pregnancy. However, other medicines can harm the baby, so the doctor must carefully evaluate the benefits and risks associated with taking medicines.

Lifestyle change

Lifestyle modification can be a useful adjunct to psychotherapy and drug therapy. Women suffering from depression can be encouraged to be physically active, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and improve nutrition. It may also be helpful to learn meditation or yoga to improve your mental health.

Effects of depression during pregnancy on birth and the postpartum period

Depression during pregnancy can negatively affect the birth and health of the baby. Research shows that the children of mothers who suffered from depression during pregnancy are at higher risk for a variety of developmental problems, from speech and physical developmental delays to future mental health changes.

In addition, depression can affect the birth process. Depressed women often experience longer labor, may need a caesarean section, and may experience more pain during labor.

There may also be problems after birth. Mothers who suffered from depression during pregnancy may experience psychological difficulties during the period after birth. They may experience a sense of alienation from their child, a weaker attachment to him, which may negatively affect the health of the child in the future.

Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to the psychological state of the future mother and, when symptoms of depression appear, to explain to the woman the importance of proper attachment to the child, the realization of contact with him, and the provision of conditions for the closeness of the mother and the baby.

Advice for Depressed Pregnant Women

Be Open with Your Doctor

Most importantly, if you suffer from depression during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Let him know about your situation. He will provide you with recommendations and help you in the treatment of your disease. He may recommend a therapist or psychiatrist for you.

Seek support from family and friends

Never forget that you are not alone. Ask your partner, close friends or relatives to be by your side during your pregnancy. Family support is an important factor in helping you overcome depression.

Get active

Physical activity is vital for everyone, including pregnant women. Walking, yoga and pregnancy exercises will help you improve your mood and stay healthy. Check with your doctor to learn about the types of physical activity that are right for you.

Try relaxation techniques

Depression can lead to stress, so try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help you calm down and reduce your anxiety levels.

Watch your diet

Proper nutrition is important for pregnant women who suffer from depression. Make sure you get enough nutrients like folic acid, iron and B vitamins to keep you healthy and in good spirits. Talk to your doctor about which foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Get enough rest

Sleep is another important aspect of your health. Do not underestimate it: try to allocate enough time for sleep, especially in the first and third trimester. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time so you don’t miss an important nap.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What symptoms of depression may appear in a pregnant woman?

Symptoms of depression during pregnancy may include fatigue, anxiety, fear, irritability, changes in appetite, sleep and mood problems.

What causes depression during pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy can be caused by physical or emotional problems, such as changes in hormonal balance, relationship problems with a partner or friends, work or family stress.