Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy (also called prenatal depression) affects approximately 1 in every 4 pregnant women. This type of mood disorder can sometimes be misdiagnosed during pregnancy, primarily because of normal mood swings brought about by hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. Because of this assumption, depression during pregnancy can cause certain health problems for both the mother and baby.

Essentially, depression is a type of mental illness and as such requires pregnant women to consult a qualified medical professional. Usually, depression in this condition can also be related to stress and pregnancy.

Normally, pregnant women experience a certain level of strain or stress brought about by the increased hormone (estrogen and progesterone) levels in their bodies. Depression during pregnancy can be quite sad, considering that pregnancy is normally considered to be one of the happiest moments in the life of a couple.

Defining Depression during Pregnancy

Based on statistics provided by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately 14% to 23% of women will experience depression symptoms during pregnancy. Depression during pregnancy is referred to as Antepartum Depression and is defined as a type of mood disorder similar to Clinical Depression. This condition brings about changes in brain chemistry, and subsequently causing anxiety in pregnant women.

Depression during pregnancy can be worsened by life situations experienced by pregnant women. There are basically two forms of Antepartum Depression:

1. Major depression – interferes with the ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. This can lead to pregnancy weight gain as well as other eating disorders like heartburn during pregnancy, if left untreated.
2. Mild depression – you can function normally in most daily activities but have erratic behavior changes with some episodes of major depression.

Trigger Factors for Depression during Pregnancy

Undoubtedly, depression during pregnancy does not happen by itself. There are certain factors which can contribute to triggering it, as well as worsening the condition if left unchecked. Despite the possible health problems that can be associated with this condition, it is still possible for affected women to have a healthy pregnancy. In order to do so, it is important to identify the following contributory factors:

• Family or personal history of anxiety or depression
• Difficulties with relationships
• Fertility treatments and medications
• History of pregnancy loss or abortion
• Perennial or common pregnancy problems
• Stressful life situations
• Past abuse experiences in other relationships or within the family
• Other potential risk factors like unplanned pregnancy for example

Can Depression Cause Heartburn during Pregnancy?

Something you might not have known is that depression can lead to heartburn during pregnancy. This is primarily because the condition affects the eating habits and experience of pregnant women. Considering how depression causes a change in eating habits, it is entirely possible that pregnant women will not be able to properly digest the food they eat, which causes them to experience depression during pregnancy.

As the baby increases in size, the potential relationship between depression and heartburn becomes more evident. Common symptoms of heartburn during pregnancy (also called prenatal heartburn) that can be attributed to depression include:

• Chest pain or burning sensation
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite

Depression and Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnant women experiencing depression make it virtually impossible to attain a healthy pregnancy. This is because when depression remains untreated, it can lead to serious health problems for the mother and baby, such as:

1. Preeclampsia
2. Poor prenatal care
3. Pregnancy weight gain or weight loss
4. Unhealthy eating habits
5. Using drugs, self-medicating, or drinking while pregnant
6. Suicidal tendency

The condition of depression during pregnancy also prevents mothers from bonding properly with the baby. Moreover, depression is closely associated with an increased tendency to smoke. It is a well-known fact that smoking during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications like preterm labor, placenta previa, and stillbirth.

Furthermore, just like smoking during pregnancy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has established that there is a connection between depression and drinking while pregnant. In general, people who drink alcohol regularly (regardless the amount) are susceptible to feeling depressed.

Often, people turn to drinking to relieve depression or anxiety, but, since alcohol affects brain chemistry, the depression is aggravated by drinking while pregnant. According to the Surgeon General, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can include learning disabilities, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system disorders among others.

Coping with Depression during Pregnancy

The good news is that depression during pregnancy is not an irreversible condition. In fact, there have been instances where the condition has been aborted without much medical intervention. In this context, it is important to consider the following ways to cope with depression during pregnancy:

1. Taking it easy. As much as possible, lessen your load for the day until you have delivered your baby. Delegate other chores like setting up the nursery or cleaning the house to other people. There is a reason why pregnant women have maternity leave, so they can avail of bed rest if necessary. Basically, during pregnancy “taking it easy” means taking care of your baby.
2. Getting some exercise. Remember that pregnancy is not an excuse to just sit around or lie down the whole day. Regular exercise not only helps you to deliver the baby easier but it also uplifts your mood. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that help you to cope with emotional stress and therefore counteract depression during pregnancy. For example, lots of women have turned to prenatal yoga as a way to stay in shape. Be sure to consult your health care professional on the type of exercise that will be safe for you.
3. Finding an outlet. One of the most difficult things for pregnant women is to feel emotionally alone or abandoned. Having the feeling that they have no one to talk to makes women begin harboring fears and worries that lead to depression during pregnancy. This is why it is so important to keep communication lines open during pregnancy and, if necessary, take advantage of counseling or therapy to cope with negative emotions.

It is equally worthy to note that babies of women with depression are irritable, less attentive, and less active compared to those born to mothers that do not have depression during pregnancy. There is also a possibility that pregnant women experiencing depression can deliver prematurely or have a baby with low birth weight.