Prenatal Depression: Symptoms and Requesting Assistance
Antenatal depression, a type of depression that affects pregnant women, is a common and often overlooked issue. It can significantly impact the wellbeing of both the mother and the unborn child.
Signs and Symptoms
Antenatal depression presents with a combination of physical and emotional symptoms. These may include changes in sleeping patterns such as difficulty falling asleep, disturbed sleep, early waking, or increased sleep, often accompanied by waking unrefreshed; changes in appetite with weight loss or increased appetite without pleasure; severe fatigue making daily tasks difficult; physical slowing or agitation; and bodily symptoms like generalized aches and headaches.
Emotional and cognitive symptoms are also prevalent, featuring depressed or sad mood, tearfulness, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of guilt, worthlessness or incompetence, poor concentration, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Anxiety symptoms, including panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive thoughts (especially about harm to the infant), can also be present.
How to Get Help
Women experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to seek evaluation from a healthcare provider. They may use screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to identify depression. Help can come from mental health professionals, community health workers, peer support groups, or trusted healthcare providers. For those in resource-limited settings, counseling support might be available through community-based programs.
Treatment Options
Treatment options vary by severity. For mild to moderate antenatal depression, talking therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques can be effective. Supportive counseling, yoga, massage therapy, or acupuncture may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety related to pregnancy.
For moderate to severe depression, antidepressants—particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and some tricyclic antidepressants—may be used with careful medical supervision. These medications have been studied for safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, though medication choice and dosage need to be individualized.
Newer treatment options like neurosteroid therapy (e.g., brexanolone) exist but are typically used postnatally in specialized settings.
It's important to note that medications often work best when combined with therapy or emotional support.
Prevention and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of antenatal depression is not fully understood, it's believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, hormonal changes, life stressors, and the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy.
Risk factors for depression during pregnancy include personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, a history of depression in pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, financial or relationship problems, lack of social support during pregnancy, and previous trauma.
Experts are not sure how to prevent antenatal depression, but being aware of symptoms, risk factors, and seeking help quickly may help people get prompt treatment.
Support for Partners
Partners of those with antenatal depression can support them by asking how to best help, attending appointments, suggesting activities, remaining patient, learning about antenatal mental health, listening without judgment, offering practical support, helping research support options, and being aware of potential risk factors.
Conclusion
Antenatal depression is a serious condition that requires prompt attention. Recognising the signs and symptoms, seeking help, and receiving appropriate treatment can significantly improve the wellbeing of both the mother and the unborn child. It's important to remember that proper treatment can help reduce depression symptoms and help people feel better. Treating antenatal depression as soon as possible is crucial to help prevent any health complications for the pregnant person or the fetus.
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer, known for its contributions to science and health-and-wellness, has recently been investigating the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating antenatal depression. This type of depression, which often goes unnoticed in the health-and-wellness of pregnant women, can significantly impact both the mother and the unborn child.
Mental health, a critical aspect of women's health, is frequently affected during pregnancy, with depression being one of the most common disorders. Antenatal depression blocks the normal growth and development of the baby, making it essential to address mental health concerns in pregnant women.
In a world dedicated to improving women's health, Pfizer's ongoing research in this area could pave the way for better depression treatment options specifically designed for pregnant women, contributing significantly to the health-and-wellness and mental-health of future mothers and their children.
