Depression during pregnancy | Shilpy Hospital

Depression during pregnancy | Shilpy Hospital

What is depression?

A kind of mood disorder known as depression results in emotions of sadness and hopelessness. While occasionally feeling sad is common, when you're depressed, these emotions might continue for weeks or even months. According to Dr. Gaurav Khanna, depression can have an impact on every aspect of your life, including your thoughts, behaviour, and sleep and eating patterns.

The hormonal changes a pregnant woman's body experiences may cause a recurrence even if her depression is under control. Pregnancy is a frequent time for women to experience the early stages of postpartum depression (PPD).

What signs of depression are there?

During pregnant, it's typical to have some depressive symptoms, including as exhaustion or difficulties sleeping. But, Dr. Shilpy Khanna explains that you can have depression if you also feel depressed or hopeless, lose interest in or pleasure from activities you used to like, or are unable to go about your everyday activities.

If five or more of the following symptoms persisted for the majority of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks:

• Losing interest in regular activities or feeling as though there is nothing interesting or entertaining left
• Feeling down, depressed, or empty for the most of every day
• Crying constantly
• Being really anxious or irritated

What is the course of action for depression while pregnant?

You can manage the disease with a variety of therapeutic options. They could include one or both of medicine and treatment.

It's normal to have reservations about taking medicine when pregnant. In order for you to choose your therapy in an informed manner, your doctor will consider the advantages and disadvantages of medication for both you and your unborn child.

Do not stop taking any medication for depression or another mental health issue if you were taking it before to becoming pregnant without first consulting your healthcare professional. Stopping abruptly could be dangerous for both you and your infant.

How does depression affect a baby?

According to Dr. Shilpy Khanna, it can be challenging to distinguish between the symptoms of depression and the adverse effects of the antidepressants women take while pregnant. As a result, there isn't much reliable data on how depression impacts babies.

Untreated depression during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight in the unborn child. According to research, babies born to mothers who are depressed are more likely to be agitated and cry more frequently than babies born to mothers who are not depressed.

Antidepressant use carries a minor amount of danger, which varies based on the drug, dosage, and duration of use.