Post by Admin on Nov 7, 2013 16:07:31 GMT 12
Yet another subject that, though very common, really doesn't get much air time. Depression and anxiety during pregnancy is estimated to affect around one in ten expectant mums. And since this can (though not always) be followed by postnatal illness it's clearly an important subject to put out there.
The following info is taken from www.practicingparents.com
What Causes Antenatal Depression?
No one knows for definite why some women get it and others don’t. It goes without saying that most women do experience mood swings during their nine months, but some are more affected by these than others. Hormones certainly play their part, but others also contribute. The root cause of antenatal depression is thought to be centred on a pregnancy related hormone imbalance however it’s this combined with any number of life stressors that are likely to be responsible for determining the development of depression in pregnancy.
Any major event has lasting effects on you and pregnancy is not different. It is a significant and life changing experience and that can bring its own set of stress and uncertainty with it. If other traumatic things happen during your pregnancy (death of a loved one, losing your job, moving house, etc) then you are more likely to suffer from antenatal depression. Your history and that of your family can also be a cause. For example, if you have suffered abuse (whether that be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual) then it is quite possible that pregnancy can prove a very upsetting time.
Similarly, your family history can be a tell-tale sign. If depression is something that has affected you or a close family member previously, then you may be more likely to suffer from it during pregnancy. And finally, pregnancy complications can also trigger depressive feelings. Women who have experienced difficulties conceiving,or who have had a miscarriage in the past will often worry for the safety of the baby and this often takes an emotional toll.
Signs Of Depression
Most women will have mood swings during pregnancy, so by no means should you think you are depressed just because you shout or cry at your partner. That is perfectly normal! However, if you are constantly feeling down, angry, anxious, or that you just can’t cope then this may be more than a temporary mood swing.
As a general rule of thumb you should apply the same standards as when you are looking for signs of “normal depression”, because essentially the symptoms are exactly the same. They include:
Anxiety
Extreme irritability with others and yourself
Obsessive compulsive tendencies – eg washing your hands over and over again.
Persistent sadness
Inability to enjoy anything anymore
Extreme fatigue
Feelings of isolation or loneliness
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty making decisions
Severe feelings of guilt
Inability to have fun
Sleep problems – either too much or too little
Overeating or lack of desire to eat
Agoraphobia – scared to leave the house or be in social situations
It’s worth noting that many of these symptoms will surface at some point during pregnancy and in isolation are not necessarily an indicator of depression.
Does Antenatal Depression Mean Postnatal Depression will follow?
Opinions are divided on this point. Let me start by saying that if you experience antenatal depression it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will develop post natal depression. Research shows that many women recover completely as soon as their baby arrives. Similarly, if you experience depression during one pregnancy, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will suffer from it in your next. However, when all is said and done, it appears that around 50% of women who experience depression in pregnancy go on the have postnatal depression.
If you suspect you or your partner is suffering from antenatal depression and/or anxiety your first port of call should be your midwife or GP. Try to talk to someone you trust. Post a thread here and we will try and support you too.
One common theme in most stories of recovery is sharing the experience. It makes us realise we are not alone in the struggle. It's what drives so many people to share their account on a forum like this or a personal blog like this... White Lily Green
The following info is taken from www.practicingparents.com
What Causes Antenatal Depression?
No one knows for definite why some women get it and others don’t. It goes without saying that most women do experience mood swings during their nine months, but some are more affected by these than others. Hormones certainly play their part, but others also contribute. The root cause of antenatal depression is thought to be centred on a pregnancy related hormone imbalance however it’s this combined with any number of life stressors that are likely to be responsible for determining the development of depression in pregnancy.
Any major event has lasting effects on you and pregnancy is not different. It is a significant and life changing experience and that can bring its own set of stress and uncertainty with it. If other traumatic things happen during your pregnancy (death of a loved one, losing your job, moving house, etc) then you are more likely to suffer from antenatal depression. Your history and that of your family can also be a cause. For example, if you have suffered abuse (whether that be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual) then it is quite possible that pregnancy can prove a very upsetting time.
Similarly, your family history can be a tell-tale sign. If depression is something that has affected you or a close family member previously, then you may be more likely to suffer from it during pregnancy. And finally, pregnancy complications can also trigger depressive feelings. Women who have experienced difficulties conceiving,or who have had a miscarriage in the past will often worry for the safety of the baby and this often takes an emotional toll.
Signs Of Depression
Most women will have mood swings during pregnancy, so by no means should you think you are depressed just because you shout or cry at your partner. That is perfectly normal! However, if you are constantly feeling down, angry, anxious, or that you just can’t cope then this may be more than a temporary mood swing.
As a general rule of thumb you should apply the same standards as when you are looking for signs of “normal depression”, because essentially the symptoms are exactly the same. They include:
Anxiety
Extreme irritability with others and yourself
Obsessive compulsive tendencies – eg washing your hands over and over again.
Persistent sadness
Inability to enjoy anything anymore
Extreme fatigue
Feelings of isolation or loneliness
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty making decisions
Severe feelings of guilt
Inability to have fun
Sleep problems – either too much or too little
Overeating or lack of desire to eat
Agoraphobia – scared to leave the house or be in social situations
It’s worth noting that many of these symptoms will surface at some point during pregnancy and in isolation are not necessarily an indicator of depression.
Does Antenatal Depression Mean Postnatal Depression will follow?
Opinions are divided on this point. Let me start by saying that if you experience antenatal depression it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will develop post natal depression. Research shows that many women recover completely as soon as their baby arrives. Similarly, if you experience depression during one pregnancy, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you will suffer from it in your next. However, when all is said and done, it appears that around 50% of women who experience depression in pregnancy go on the have postnatal depression.
If you suspect you or your partner is suffering from antenatal depression and/or anxiety your first port of call should be your midwife or GP. Try to talk to someone you trust. Post a thread here and we will try and support you too.
One common theme in most stories of recovery is sharing the experience. It makes us realise we are not alone in the struggle. It's what drives so many people to share their account on a forum like this or a personal blog like this... White Lily Green