Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life, but for many women this is a time of confusion, fear, sadness, stress and even depression. According to some medical scholars, nearly, one in 10 women suffers from depression during or immediately after pregnancy. Sharon Phelan, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, stated that depression is overlooked because it is assumed that pregnancy protects women from depression and that postpartum depression is within a woman’s control. Researchers in 55th annual clinical meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in San Diego asserted that treatment of depression among pregnant women not only improved their depression, but also improved the women’s ability to care for their children. What is depression during pregnancy? Depression during pregnancy, or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry. During pregnancy hormone changes can affect brain chemicals, which are directly related to depression and anxiety. These can be exacerbated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy. Antidepressants in pregnancy If you are taking an antidepressant and find that you are pregnant, do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your health provider. Call her/him as soon as you discover that you are expecting. It may be unhealthy to stop taking an antidepressant suddenly. Stay positive The initial demands on a new mother are exciting and tremendous. Feeling better takes time. You will feel like yourself again and better able to handle the everyday pressures as well as the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. Be realistic about the demands and expectations you make on yourself. Image Read
