Pregnant and feeling low?

Pregnant and feeling low?

According to a recent study, prenatal depression affects one in eight pregnant women. Are you one of them?

    Pregnancy is said to be one the happiest phases in a woman’s life. But it can also be the most trying — physically and mentally. While postpartum blues are common knowledge, not much is known about prenatal depression. Gynaecologist Dr Suman Bijlani says, “Prenatal means during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, hormonal changes compounded by stress — due to financial and career adjustments, physical discomfort, previous pregnancy losses, anxiety about possible complications and labour,
and planning for a newborn — can lead to emotional instability and occasionally, depression. Prenatal depression can strike any time during the pregnancy. Its severity varies from person to person. Some women may have been depressed prior to conception, but it may have gone unnoticed. Trying circumstances can precipitate or exaggerate the symptoms.” 

OCCURRENCE IN INDIA In a society like ours, where mental illness is still taboo and little importance is attached to women’s health and happiness, prenatal depression often goes unnoticed. “Prenatal care in our country consists of short meetings with the obstetrician, who discuss only the physical aspects of pregnancy, such as the mother’s nutrition and the baby’s wellbeing. A smart and caring spouse may be able to sense subtle changes early on and express concern to the doctor,” says Dr Bijlani.
    “Cases of prenatal depression have risen by 45% in the past four years. Since it is difficult to find out whether a woman is experiencing normal pregnancy-related mood changes or something serious, symptoms of prenatal depression has often been overlooked. Women who seek help are often told ‘it’s just your hormones’. This offers little help to the person,” says Seema Hingorrany, clinical psychologist. 

 
SYMPTOMS
• Chronic anxiety, fears about delivery or a miscarriage.

• Guilt about feeling negative, followed by bouts of crying.

• Worrying that your partner may leave once the baby is born.

• Low self-confidence and doubts about being a capable parent.
• Feeling lonely, irritable, lethargic and misunderstood.
• Problems with sleeping and eating, lack of attention and concentration.
• Indifference to prenatal care and planning for the baby’s arrival.
• Resentment towards the baby, because he/ she is an overwhelming responsibility. 

TREATMENT Treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Women with minor symptoms would benefit from counselling, support from near and dear ones, better diet and exercise.
    “Antidepressants are required to treat severe cases, and used with caution, under medical supervision. Minimum dosage of drugs has to be administered, to avoid harm to the fetus. A couple has to be in close contact with their obstetrician, psychologist and psychiatrist, so that all their concerns are addressed. A woman has to be supported during her post delivery days also, as she is likely to suffer from postnatal depression,” says Dr Bijlani. 

THE WAY OUT Avoid extra stress during pregnancy and don’t go on diets. Indulge in activities that make you happy — if you can follow these steps, prenatal depression can be kept at bay to a great extent.
    “Women who have depression due to genetic reasons need to be more careful. Families should be more sensitive and empathetic towards a woman’s emotional needs. Spouses should take the situation seriously and understand their wives rather than dismissing the problem as hormonal change,” ends Seema.

Feeling guilty and miserable are common symptoms of pre natal depression