Hormonal changes taking place in the body during pregnancy cause mood swings and depression. Read on to know more about mood swings and depressions during pregnancy. In this articleWhy am I Feeling Depressed When I Should be Very Happy?Infertility treatments Previous Miscarriages Issues with Pregnancy History of Depression or Anxiety Life Events Why am I Feeling Depressed When I Should be Very Happy? You will be surprised to know that statistically at least 10% of all pregnant women suffer from depression. No doubt pregnancy is a time to rejoice and enjoy in anticipation of arrival of your new bundle of joy. However, hormonal changes happening in your body during pregnancy can make you vulnerable to depression. A sudden and rapid increase in hormonal levels is believed to be the most common cause of depression in pregnant women. Hormones can also make your feel over anxious and prone to worrying. As soon as you or your spouse realise that you are getting moody and depressed it is best to discuss about the issue with your doctor. It is important to bear in mind that your emotional well being is as crucial as your physical wellness during this important phase of your life. There are certain health risks associated with depression and anxiety in pregnant women. For example studies have indicated that anxiety and depression can increase the chances of a preterm labor in women. Depression and anxiety cannot be avoided completely. It happens because of biochemical changes happening in your body which may be beyond your control. However, by managing stress, bonding with your partner and by interacting with other expecting moms you will be in a position to cope with depression better during pregnancy. What Factors May Cause Depression in Women? Common risk factors which increase the chances of a woman suffering from depression during pregnancy include:Infertility treatments - Women who may have had troubles in conceiving experience a lot of stress when they actually get pregnant. Women who conceive with the help of infertility treatment have to deal with the emotional side effects of the treatment in addition to being anxious about what the future holds for their unborn baby. In fact in majority of such cases the women worry constantly about losing the baby. All these factors cause stress, anxiety and depression in the pregnant woman.Previous Miscarriages - Women who have had miscarriages in the past or have lost a baby, naturally worry about how safe their current pregnancy would be. In many cases the women may hardly have recovered from the physical and emotional trauma of their miscarriage. This makes the pregnant woman feel low and depressed. Issues with Pregnancy - A complicated or high-risk pregnancy when the woman is advised to take complete bed rest can cause immense emotional drain. Not being active and the constant fear about the safety of the unborn child can cause depression in such women. History of Depression or Anxiety - Women who have a past history of depression or extreme anxiety are more likely to get depressed when they become pregnant. Women who get anxious easily or get stressed for anything and everything are also more likely to suffer from depression when they conceive. Life Events - Pregnancy can result in a whole lot of changes in a couple’s normal life. Women who may have worked before the baby arrived may choose to stay at home after years of working. Some women may be concerned about managing their finance post pregnancy. Any such major concern can trigger anxiety and depression in a pregnant woman It is important to take formal treatment for depression while pregnant. Talking to a doctor will ensure emotional well-being of the mother and the unborn child. It will also help the expectant mom to cope with the situation better once the baby arrives.
Hormonal changes taking place in the body during pregnancy cause mood swings and depression. Read on to know more about mood swings and depressions during pregnancy. Why am I Feeling Depressed When I Should be Very Happy?
You will be surprised to know that statistically at least 10% of all pregnant women suffer from depression. No doubt pregnancy is a time to rejoice and enjoy in anticipation of arrival of your new bundle of joy. However, hormonal changes happening in your body during pregnancy can make you vulnerable to depression.
A sudden and rapid increase in hormonal levels is believed to be the most common cause of depression in pregnant women. Hormones can also make your feel over anxious and prone to worrying.
As soon as you or your spouse realise that you are getting moody and depressed it is best to discuss about the issue with your doctor. It is important to bear in mind that your emotional well being is as crucial as your physical wellness during this important phase of your life.
There are certain health risks associated with depression and anxiety in pregnant women. For example studies have indicated that anxiety and depression can increase the chances of a preterm labor in women.
Depression and anxiety cannot be avoided completely. It happens because of biochemical changes happening in your body which may be beyond your control. However, by managing stress, bonding with your partner and by interacting with other expecting moms you will be in a position to cope with depression better during pregnancy.
What Factors May Cause Depression in Women?
Common risk factors which increase the chances of a woman suffering from depression during pregnancy include:
Infertility treatments -
Women who may have had troubles in conceiving experience a lot of stress when they actually get pregnant. Women who conceive with the help of
infertility treatment have to deal with the emotional side effects of the treatment in addition to being anxious about what the future holds for their unborn baby. In fact in majority of such cases the women worry constantly about losing the baby. All these factors cause stress, anxiety and depression in the pregnant woman.
Previous Miscarriages -
Women who have had miscarriages in the past or have lost a baby, naturally worry about how safe their current pregnancy would be. In many cases the women may hardly have recovered from the physical and emotional trauma of their
miscarriage. This makes the pregnant woman feel low and depressed.
Issues with Pregnancy -
A complicated or high-risk pregnancy when the woman is advised to take complete bed rest can cause immense emotional drain. Not being active and the constant fear about the safety of the unborn child can cause depression in such women.
History of Depression or Anxiety -
Women who have a past history of depression or extreme anxiety are more likely to get depressed when they become pregnant. Women who get anxious easily or get stressed for anything and everything are also more likely to suffer from depression when they conceive.
Life Events -
Pregnancy can result in a whole lot of changes in a couple’s normal life. Women who may have worked before the baby arrived may choose to stay at home after years of working. Some women may be concerned about managing their finance post pregnancy. Any such major concern can trigger anxiety and depression in a pregnant woman
It is important to take formal treatment for depression while pregnant. Talking to a doctor will ensure emotional well-being of the mother and the unborn child. It will also help the expectant mom to cope with the situation better once the baby arrives.
