Symptoms of depression during pregnancy: what to do and how to help yourself and your unborn baby. Symptoms of depression during pregnancy: what to do and how to help yourself and your unborn baby Depression during pregnancy will go away

A desired pregnancy is one of the happiest periods in the life of any woman, but sometimes this time is overshadowed by a state of depression. How to distinguish real depression from the vagaries and mood swings inherent in all pregnant women, and how to treat it?

What is prenatal depression

Pregnancy is a natural physiological process, and if it proceeds without complications, then the hormonal changes taking place in the body protect the expectant mother from various stressful conditions. However, if a woman, due to the characteristics of her nervous system, is prone to changeable mood, gloomy thoughts, suspiciousness, then depression may develop during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, a bad mood in itself, even if it happens quite often, is not depression yet. Depressive disorder, in addition to low mood, is characterized by a negative perception of oneself, one's personality and the situation as a whole, self-denial, disbelief in the future, and persistent inexplicable pessimism. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the form of lethargy, indifference and inhibition of reactions.

According to statistics, women are 2-3 times more susceptible to depression than men. This is due to the closer connection of their neuroendocrine system with the emotional state, which is most pronounced during hormonal fluctuations.

According to general data, pregnant women suffer from depression much less often than women of childbearing age in general. Antenatal depression occurs in 10-20% of cases, while among women in general, this figure reaches 25%.

In most cases, the symptoms of prenatal depression are much milder than those of postpartum depression, but they also require serious attitude, insofar as depression a pregnant woman can adversely affect the health of the unborn child and cause complications.

Causes of depression during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes global hormonal changes, which can cause a violation of neuroendocrine regulation. Factors leading to the emergence and development of prenatal depression can be divided into psychophysiological and socio-psychological. Psychophysiological factors include:

the presence of depression before pregnancy, the conception of a child against the background of depression;
interruption of antidepressant treatment due to pregnancy, which dramatically increases the risk of exacerbation of a depressive state;
severe toxicosis;
prolonged use of sedative (sedative and sleeping pills) drugs;
severe current pregnancy or severe past pregnancy with serious complications;
unsuccessful pregnancies in history (miscarriages, miscarriage, etc.);
fear of the upcoming birth;
depressive disorders and mental illness in close relatives: parents, grandparents, siblings;
character traits, emotional imbalance;
negative changes associated with appearance (large weight gain, bad skin, etc.);
general weakness, tendency to rapid fatigue.

Among the socio-psychological factors, the following can be distinguished:

lack of understanding and support in the family;
difficult relationship or break with the father of the child;
stressful situations that remain unresolved;
financial difficulties, housing and household problems;
fear of changes in the usual way of life: leaving work, professional failure, etc.;
unplanned and unwanted pregnancy.

Any depressive state is caused by a combination of factors and therefore always has an individual character. It is understandable if depression is a consequence of some really sad events: the death of a loved one, a break with the father of the unborn child. Much more difficult is the situation when everything seems to be in order: the woman is healthy, the pregnancy is proceeding normally, the husband is attentive. In this case, it is more difficult to identify hidden factors and prerequisites for depression.

The likelihood of developing depression increases if a woman has increased demands on others and perfectionism in relation to herself, expressed in statements like these:

“Everyone is obliged to protect and respect me”;
"Everything should be the way I want";
“My child should have all the best”;
“I have to do everything and do everything perfectly.”

Such thoughts keep a pregnant woman in constant mental stress, killing her self-confidence.

Symptoms

Suspect depression in a pregnant woman if she has five or more of the following symptoms:

Bad mood;
feeling of inner emptiness;
despondency;
apathy;
lack of interest in life;
high fatigue, constant fatigue and loss of strength;
slowness and lethargy;
Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
distraction;
memory impairment;
inability to make decisions;
lack of appetite;
sleep disturbances (insomnia or persistent drowsiness, too restless or prolonged sleep);
decrease in sexual desire;
increased irritability;
anxiety;
tearfulness;
suspiciousness;
guilt;
low self-esteem;
feeling of own uselessness;
unwillingness to communicate with someone, the desire to isolate oneself from society;
fear of open space and going out into the street (agoraphobia);
feeling of hopelessness and hopelessness;
thoughts of death and suicide.

If these symptoms are observed for more than two weeks, then we can talk about a depressive disorder.. This helps to distinguish it from temporarily low mood and decreased vitality.

With depression, the lack of the ability to rejoice, experience positive emotions, enjoy life varies in a wide range: from excessive tearfulness and resentment to aggression towards loved ones and unwillingness to live. In severe depression, accompanied by thoughts of suicide, you should immediately consult a psychotherapist.

Usually, depression begins with anxious fears about the course and outcome of pregnancy, the health of the unborn baby. Gradually growing melancholy and apathy lead to a breakdown, when it becomes difficult to perform even simple household chores. As a result, there are disturbances in sleep and appetite, there is a feeling of guilt and a serious deterioration in well-being.

Features of manifestation at different times

First trimester

In psychology, the first trimester is called the “denial period.” If the pregnancy proceeds normally, without complications, there is no toxicosis, then the woman often forgets that she is pregnant. She can plan a business trip or an active holiday for the coming months, but she immediately realizes with regret that these plans are not destined to come true. In addition, she has to give up bad habits, for example, smoking, or sports activities (if there are medical contraindications for this), since this is a very important time for the development of the baby: in the first trimester, all organ systems of the fetus are laid.

An interesting fact is that even joyful events and the positive emotions associated with them can provoke the development of depression in a person, as they often entail serious changes in life.

A woman does not immediately get used to her new state and accepts it.. At the same time, at this time, a serious restructuring takes place in the female body, affecting all its systems. This is accompanied by emotional instability, increased sensitivity, mood swings, drowsiness and more rapid fatigue than before. And all these signs are a variant of the physiological norm. Depression is also indicated by a protracted pessimistic attitude, constant anxiety and expectation of the worst, which do not go away after two weeks, but, on the contrary, only intensify.

Second trimester

During this period, a woman gets used to her special position, and after this, thoughts come that past life you can put an end to it: you have to give up your favorite work, the usual rhythm and lifestyle, friends, entertainment. At the same time, according to psychologists, at this time, many women discover themselves from a new perspective: they begin to engage in creativity (singing, drawing), learning foreign languages. But pregnant women with a pronounced tendency to depression have to endure strong emotional storms.

In the second trimester, body weight increases, the mammary glands engorge, pain in the lumbar region periodically occurs, and frequent urination is disturbing. And the more inconvenience these physiological features, the more it affects the psychological state of the woman.

In order not to provoke the development of a depressive disorder, it is recommended to isolate yourself as much as possible from negative information coming from the outside: carefully filter movies and TV shows to watch, read pleasant literature. You need to try to create a cozy, calm and cheerful atmosphere around you.

third trimester

In the late term, even the most balanced women can panic, and you can allow yourself to be in a bad mood from time to time. The last weeks of pregnancy are a big belly and difficulties in movement, a huge load on the spine, lower back and ligaments, a feeling of helplessness, clumsiness and dependence on others. Depression at the end of pregnancy is caused by fear of the upcoming birth, physical and mental fatigue, loss of attractiveness in the eyes of her husband.

According to experts, prenatal depression in the last weeks of pregnancy does not cause significant harm to the expectant mother, but can adversely affect the child's psyche and its postnatal development (after birth). Although a slight excitement that does not turn into hysteria or neurosis is completely natural and normal.

It must be remembered that childbirth and subsequent adaptation proceed the faster and easier, the more calm, balanced and mentally prepared a woman is for them. Psychologists advise going on maternity leave in a timely manner, and not working until the very contractions. It is best to devote this time to yourself: walk a lot, prepare a dowry for the child, arrange a photo session, do what gives pleasure, while being sensitive to yourself, your body and inner state.

How to cope

Often, those around, even those closest to them, underestimate the seriousness of the situation, they advise the pregnant woman to "pull herself together." However, with real depression, such advice is meaningless.

Depression in pregnant women is diagnosed by conducting various tests using rating scales. A blood test may be done to determine markers of a genetic predisposition to depression. It is best to solve your psychological problems even before the onset of pregnancy. But if depression appeared during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a specialist as early as possible and not wait for everything to go away by itself. Mild or moderate depression can be treated with hypnosis, as well as individual or group psychotherapy.

Medical treatment

Depressive disorders are treated with pharmacological antidepressant drugs. The effect of non-drug treatment (physiotherapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc.) is usually small.

Of course, during pregnancy, you need to try to do everything to do without taking medication, because antidepressants that are absolutely safe for a child do not exist. All modern psychotropic drugs have the ability to cross the placenta into the amniotic fluid. The first trimester is especially dangerous in this regard, when the risk of a teratogenic effect (the occurrence of fetal malformations) is highest.

Medications are prescribed in the following cases:

the woman suffered from a severe form of depression before conception, and after the onset of pregnancy her mental state worsened;
depression occurs with frequent relapses without persistent remissions.

To date, the leading drugs for the treatment of depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine, Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Cipramil (citalopram). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are also used: Amitriptyline, Melipramine, Anafranil, etc. Almost all of these drugs have a Category C effect on the fetus, which means that animal studies have revealed in individual cases the negative effect of the drug on the fetus, and there were no similar studies in pregnant women. In this case, the potential benefit from the use of the drug may justify the risk associated with its use.

Possible consequences for the child from taking antidepressants during pregnancy

Newborns whose mothers took antidepressants during pregnancy may experience:

tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
tremor;
decrease in contractile activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
adaptation disorders (difficulty breathing, excitability);
urinary retention, loose stools.

When taking drugs in the first trimester, the development of heart disease, umbilical hernia, craniosynostosis (premature overgrowth of the fontanel) is possible.

When using fluoxetine and paroxetine, there is an increased risk of preterm birth.

When using SSRIs in the third trimester of pregnancy in newborns, there are such negative consequences as

unstable body temperature;
convulsive seizures;
cyanosis (cyanosis of the skin);
high or low blood pressure;
difficulty feeding (vomiting);
drowsiness;
constant crying.

Also, one should not forget that antidepressants have an extensive list of contraindications (in addition to pregnancy) and side effects, including disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and heart function, central nervous system dysfunction, allergic reactions, respiratory problems (runny nose, cough, shortness of breath), frequent urination.

The question of prescribing medications for the treatment of depression to a pregnant woman is a doctor in each specific case decides individually, carefully weighing and comparing the risk of potential harm from taking medications and the risk of negative effects of depression on both the child and his mother.

What else can help

An alternative treatment for severe depression is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which uses electric shocks to induce seizures. Under the influence of electric shock, the production of stress hormones is suppressed, the growth of nerve cells is stimulated, and intercellular connections are restored. ECT is considered safe and can be used at any stage of pregnancy. The treatment regimen is selected individually.

With mild depressive symptoms, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, which can be individual or group, gives a good effect. In the process of treatment, the specialist explains the influence of thoughts on the emotional state, and the woman learns to displace negative thoughts, replacing them with positive and rational ones. This contributes to a more adequate perception of the surrounding reality and one's personal situation, helps to develop and strengthen a positive attitude. By participating in group sessions, a pregnant woman understands that she is not alone in her depression, there are women with similar problems, and this also stimulates her recovery process.

Physical exercises are very useful in the treatment of depression. Pregnant women are shown yoga, swimming, Pilates - these areas strengthen the back muscles and tone the whole body. As for the permissible intensity of training, you need to consult a gynecologist.

St. John's wort is the leader among herbal antidepressants, but it is not recommended to take it during pregnancy, as it has a proven abortive effect. Therefore, taking St. John's wort inside in the first trimester of pregnancy is strictly prohibited. In the second and third trimester, St. John's wort can be taken only in extreme cases and always in agreement with the doctor. It is important to remember that St. John's wort is incompatible with drug antidepressants.

Cocoa, bananas, rosehip decoction and oily fish are also natural helpers for depression, as they are rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids.

A modern alternative way to treat depression with light therapy with the parallel intake of omega-3 fatty acids is also gaining popularity.

Prevention

During pregnancy, the support and attention of loved ones, a calm atmosphere in the family, are very important. Depression often develops in pregnant women who are constantly criticized. A woman, of course, needs others to understand her experiences, but at the same time they should in no case share her anxiety and pessimism.

Photo gallery: ways to maintain a good emotional state for a pregnant woman

Doable exercise during pregnancy helps to maintain vitality Walking in the fresh air is necessary not only for the physical, but also for the mental health of a pregnant woman. Hobbies will bring pleasure and moral satisfaction Try to go to bed and get up at the same time Courses for pregnant women will give necessary information and prepare for childbirth Do not delay with care in maternity leave The health of the unborn child directly depends on the proper nutrition of a woman.

Prevention of prenatal depression includes:

A good rest: you should not exhaust yourself with household chores, it is better to shift some of the worries onto the shoulders of others, otherwise the accumulated fatigue will eventually develop into depression and the first symptoms of depression.
Healthy sleep: you need to go to bed and get up at the same time, be sure to get enough sleep, remove the TV and computer from the bedroom.
Proper, rational, balanced nutrition: this is a very important point, because the health of the unborn child directly depends on it; at the same time, there is no need to overeat, since the typed excess weight will affect the appearance and, moreover, will remain after childbirth, which can also be a reason for depression.
Physical activity, from daily walks to sports activities, depending on your preferences and medical recommendations.
Mandatory care for appearance: slovenliness provokes the development of a depressive state, and well-groomed appearance always uplifting.
Goals and plans: it is recommended to plan your time and make a to-do list for the next day. Yes, you should not overwork yourself, but the fulfillment of daily duties gives ground under your feet and a sense of accomplishment. The desire to escape from oneself, duties and responsibilities is the first sign of impending depression.
Fascinating activity that brings pleasure and moral satisfaction: various creative activities, both those that were before pregnancy and new ones (drawing, embroidery, knitting, and others).
Formation positive thinking: you should monitor your thoughts and tell yourself “stop” in time when negative thoughts begin to flow into negative emotions.
Timely maternity leave.
Communication with like-minded people, attending courses for pregnant women.

Video: depression during pregnancy

It is important for a pregnant woman to remember that prenatal depression is temporary. There is no need to be afraid of the future and the unrest associated with it. All problems are solvable. During pregnancy, it is best to listen sensitively to yourself and enjoy the expectation of a baby. In case of a prolonged depressed state, do not hesitate to contact a specialist, he will prescribe a safe and effective treatment.

Depression during pregnancy is becoming an increasingly common ailment. How to cope with depression during the entire period, in the last weeks and in the postpartum state, a six-step scheme and much more awaits you in this article...

In the old Japanese cartoon "Taro - the son of the dragon", a poor pregnant woman exhausted herself with guilt because she ate two small fish ("devoured" a village whose inhabitants would not even have enough of these fish to smell), and turned into a dragon. Everything got worse...

Hi friends! I can’t say for sure how the ladies of the old centuries perceived their position, but in modern times depression is practically the norm. Why? There are many reasons from bad ecology to the modern pace of life. But the expectation of a child should be one of the happiest moments in the life of any person. Let's figure out what kind of negativity is bugging us, and how to deal with it.

Does she sneak around unnoticed?

No! Even if it seems to others that a woman in a position “winds herself up”, or “she doesn’t know what she wants” - her syndrome has specific reasons that can be seen with the naked eye. If you want. And if you don’t want to, you won’t even notice the inscription in meter-sized red letters.

First of all, the depression of a pregnant woman should not be viewed one-sidedly. Personal character traits and predisposition matter, but not radically. It is clear that if future mother there is a tendency to panic for any reason - it will quickly enter a state of depression. Although, there are reverse examples, when pregnancy makes a nervous and insecure woman calm down, come into balance, and realize her significance.

Nine months is a short time less than a year, and during this time another body must form and grow in one body.

Softer advisers tell how to help yourself - they offer to find entertainment, start walking, visit to do a business for which there was never enough time, go to the hairdresser, buy a new dress.

depression on later dates forum regulars consider it the most understandable, because the additional burden and the approach of childbirth make the mother even more vulnerable. But it is no less important to find ways to deal with both in the second trimester and in the early stages.

Positive emotions are very important for the whole period, but they are unlikely to be cured if a callous, inattentive environment awaits at home, which wants only one thing: that you stumble and not bring them with your whims.

Can there be anything more beautiful than the birth of a new life? The female body is tuned very finely, a pregnant woman may subconsciously feel that the people around her are full of fears, for example, of a financial nature, and are not happy, but think to themselves: “What if this child becomes a burden?”

Mommy also feels what annoys everyone with her painful condition. Carrying a child is a serious psycho-physical condition. The most important thing that everyone who is nearby needs is patience, tact and attention.

Any female in nature instinctively protects her offspring. When she carries cubs in herself, she becomes especially sensitive, reacts to the slightest signs of threat. Man is the same animal, and can, like them, perceive danger at the subconscious level. If a spouse (daughter, daughter-in-law) in a normal state is able not to notice someone's discontent - a pregnant woman, she will definitely notice everything, or imagine.

People around should remember that a child in the womb is a huge additional burden on the body: physical, hormonal and psychological. There is nothing more stupid than saying: "Pull yourself together", or "Be patient, everything will work out." You can't step over a problem, you have to solve it. Any deviation in psychological balance requires help.

Action plan

If you are still overtaken by depression during pregnancy, then we fight it - collectively. Better like this:

Take your spouse to a doctor, let him assess her condition, calm her down, explain that there are no fears, the baby is developing normally, and for nerves he will advise soothing teas, or something else that is just as safe.

Try to understand that a child cannot be unwanted, even if he is the second, third or tenth. They didn’t want him - they should have been better protected, but now there is no turning back, love.

Convince your spouse that the baby is desired and loved, just like herself.

Teach yourself not to get annoyed, even if through auto-training (this is only for 9 months, and it can go faster if you behave correctly).

Pay more attention to the pregnant woman so that she does not feel abandoned.

The future mother herself should really do something that is pleasant for her, relax more, drink vitamins and walk in the fresh air (swimming also does not hurt). And it’s especially good if these activities and walks are done with your husband.

Usually, the news about an interesting situation causes a storm of emotions in mothers, often associated with joy and happiness. But sometimes an interesting situation becomes a real psycho-emotional test for the fragile psyche of a girl. Depression during pregnancy in the second trimester is a residually common phenomenon, especially in patients who are characterized by an unstable psycho-emotional state and an excessive predisposition to despondency. Such depression in pregnant women can be an extremely dangerous condition, therefore, it needs immediate therapy immediately after detection.

Positive emotions lead to different states of mind

For a depressive state, the presence of a whole complex of various psychological disorders is typical, which is accompanied by unreasonable depression and a state of despondency, a melancholic and oppressed worldview, a loss of the ability to rejoice and a lack of life goals and plans.

During periods of depressive disorder, self-esteem in patients is extremely low, and an extremely sharp reaction occurs to stimuli from the outside, often there is complete apathy to what is happening around. Sometimes untimely detected pathology turns into the formation of alcohol dependence and suicidal tendencies. Therefore, the prevention and mandatory treatment of depressive conditions in pregnant women is of paramount importance for the outcome of gestation and the patient's future life.

Nature initially provided for gestation to proceed as calmly and harmoniously as possible. But modern instability and frantic rhythms, social standards cause a lot of fears in pregnant women that give rise to the development of depression. Moms are constantly worried about ongoing gestation and other features of their new position. If protection against stress in this state fails, then the development of a depressive state is inevitable, especially in the absence of moral support.

Why do pregnant women get depressed?

The main factors in the development of depressive states during gestation are quite a variety of factors:

If conception was not planned in advance, then it can cause severe stress leading to depression;
Insecurity from a material point of view, such as job loss or too much credit, etc.;
Problems of a social and domestic nature, such as the lack of normal housing, a difficult situation in the family, or lack of support from a spouse;
Lack of interest in the birth of a baby on the part of a spouse or household;
Genetic predisposition to depression;
The presence of complications of gestation such as severe toxicosis or fetal pathologies;
Hormonal disruptions due to thyroid disorders, especially often depressive problems occur against the background of reduced thyroid functions, which is manifested by detachment, blues or panic attacks;
Repeated miscarriages or long-term therapy for infertility can also cause depressive conditions, especially in the first trimester, when the fear of losing a baby literally drives a woman crazy;
Psycho-emotional shocks such as the loss of loved ones, forced relocation, etc .;
Long-term therapy with sedative and psychotropic drugs.

Depressive states in the third trimester of pregnancy or at other gestational periods can disturb the mother due to the existing genetic predisposition, physical violence or psychological pressure, as well as other emotional factors.

Clinical manifestations

Bad mood in the morning is a bad sign

The first alarming manifestations hinting at the development of a depressive state in a pregnant woman are sleep problems and sudden mood swings. Also, the morning state of weakness and tearfulness, panic in anticipation of the upcoming delivery. Against the background of such symptoms, there is a sharp deterioration in the well-being of the mother. Over time, other symptomatic depressive manifestations join. These include refusal of food and constant irritability, chronic fatigue and indifference to surrounding events.

The pregnant woman even moves away from close people, sometimes agoraphobia worries (when the pregnant woman is afraid to leave the walls of the apartment). A woman shows signs of lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem, constantly feels guilty about something, constantly wants to sleep, is in a state of apathy, uselessness, helplessness, and sometimes even shows suicidal desires.

Separate depressive manifestations can occur in any patient during pregnancy, which is quite explainable by changes in the psycho-emotional and neuroendocrine system. However, unlike depression, such conditions disappear on their own after a fairly short time. If depressive symptoms disturb the pregnant woman with enviable regularity, then it is necessary to undergo psychological consultation specialist.

Features of depression in different gestational periods

Very often cases of depression are recorded during the second gestation. The patient, having learned about an unplanned conception, gives in to panic, especially when it is not possible to give birth and raise another child. But such panic usually passes after a few days, when the woman gets used to the new position and adapts to it.

During the gestational period, the consciousness of a pregnant woman goes through several stages, helping to accept the pregnancy, prepare for delivery and begin to make plans for life after the baby is born. During the gestation of doubt and uncertainty, other external factors are quite conducive to the emergence of apathy, panic or depressive disorders.

1 trimester

Psychologists consider the first trimester as a time for the patient to deny the pregnancy.

The embryo is only growing, the girl is habitually planning something, not taking into account the presence of a new life in the uterus. For example, he plans a long trip for all gestation, which falls on the last weeks in the 3rd trimester.
Such a phenomenon is quite understandable, it occurs unconsciously when gestation passes without traditional toxic ailments. Only by the 2nd trimester does the girl begin to fully realize her life situation and perceive it differently.
Under the influence of hormones, the first weeks of gestation proceed with a strong change in the psycho-emotional background. Patients need time to curb fears and pacify experiences, and they have to give up a lot in connection with conception. If we add here family problems, conflicts with a spouse or mother-in-law, then avoiding depression becomes quite problematic.
It is necessary to be able to distinguish mood swings due to traditional hormonal changes from a depressive state. After conception, patients often change beyond recognition, hysteria for no reason, sleep poorly, cry, go deep into themselves. But when mommy accepts her condition, then her psycho-emotional mood returns to normal.
If such mentally unstable states drag on for a long time, the mood of the pregnant woman becomes depressed, overgrown with pessimism, then this can be regarded as a pronounced manifestation of growing depression.

In severe depressive states, it becomes necessary to take potent antidepressant medications, which is highly undesirable at the initial stages of gestation. If you turn to a specialist in a timely manner, you can eliminate the onset of depression with the help of physiotherapy methods.

Second

It is very important to sleep well

This period of gestation is characterized by new sensations for the pregnant woman. Psychologists call this trimester the time of searching for the lost object. This object means the rejection of your favorite entertainment, a good job or a promising study. When the baby begins to show signs of life pushing the mother from the inside, the patient realizes that now her life should turn out differently, she worries about the baby.

If the patient is prone to apathy and stressful conditions, then depression in the later stages will steadily worsen when mommy suffers from back pain and physical sluggishness due to a grown belly, etc. Now the patient can continue to become depressed or choose a different path - get distracted by doing something, for example, enrolling in any courses. It is from the decision of the pregnant woman that her future condition will depend.

The third

Psychologists often call the last gestational weeks the stage prenatal depression. Uncontrollable panic attacks can disturb even quite balanced patients. The reason for this can be quite a variety of factors. As a rule, all mothers are afraid of the upcoming birth, especially when there have been adverse births in the family. Moreover, the enlarged belly makes the pregnant woman clumsy and helpless. Which contributes to tearfulness and lack of mood.

Prenatal depressive states are classified as a non-dangerous phenomenon, which patients may well overcome on their own, when, after the birth of her hormonal background normalizes. But doctors warn that pregnant women should keep themselves in control, because stress and anxiety, anxiety and prenatal tantrums have an extremely negative effect on the baby. Such incontinence can lead to the fact that the baby will not sleep well and constantly cry, slowly grow and develop.

Pregnant women need to remember - the calmer the mother is before delivery, the easier it will be for the baby to be born. Pregnancy is not a holiday and euphoria lasting 40 weeks, during this period negative emotions and anxious thoughts. Therefore, mothers are advised to go on maternity leave in a timely manner in order to fully prepare for delivery and fully relax.

What are the dangers of depression

Scientists were able to identify a natural relationship between the psychological problems of a pregnant woman and health troubles in a newborn. Untreated depression during gestation can lead to such dangerous consequences:

The baby is born with a lack of body weight;
An interruption may occur or habitual miscarriage will form;
There will be premature delivery;
The newborn will show behavioral disorders;
The baby will suffer from hyperactivity syndrome;
The baby will have intellectual development disorders or neuro-systemic pathologies;
There is a high risk of depression and other mental disorders in the baby in the future.

Depressive states during gestation threaten not only the health of the baby, but can also provoke postpartum disorders, dangerous violations in the formation of a connection between the baby and the mother.

How to diagnose depression

During the appointment, you need to tell the doctor about your problems.

Identification of depression during gestation is carried out on the basis of characteristic symptoms. In order to diagnose such a violation, two mandatory conditions must occur. Firstly, a depressed and pessimistic state should depress the pregnant woman throughout the day and at least two weeks. Secondly, there should be no interest, apathy in everyday affairs and activities.

Additional conditions for depressive states include sleep disturbances and lack of appetite, chronic fatigue, exhaustion, lethargy, or psychomotor agitation. The patient has a feeling of uselessness and worthlessness, low self-esteem, a feeling of constant guilt and even suicidal thoughts.

Also, the diagnosis of depressive conditions in pregnant women involves all kinds of tests and surveys, the use of instrumental diagnostics. The psychologist necessarily determines the severity of depression on special scales (Beck, Hamilton, etc.).

Therapy Methods

When a pregnant woman understands that her psycho-emotional state is not quite normal, then she should discuss the problem with a gynecologist, and, if necessary, with a psychotherapist. If the situation is not difficult, then mommy is quite capable of coping with blues and apathy on her own. To do this, it is worth adjusting the daily routine to wake up and go to bed at the same time, which will reduce bouts of mood swings. It is worth spending more time outside the city, in nature, reviewing the diet and doing some kind of sport, for example, yoga for moms or swimming.

In the process of gestation, patients have a lot of free time that can be devoted to some hobby or hobby. During these months, one must learn to think with positive attitude, then you yourself will not notice how you become an incredible optimist. You should not bury your emotions in depth, if you want, then you need to cry, laugh, talk about grievances and fears to your household or spouse.

If mom has a serious problem, then a specialist can prescribe drugs from the category of antidepressants. Such medicines are able to overcome the placental barrier, therefore, it is recommended to treat depressive states even before the onset of conception, so as not to harm the baby with such therapy. Patients are prescribed drugs like Citalopram, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, or Paroxetine. The intake of these medications should be carried out in strictly prescribed dosages by the doctor.

It is much safer to use herbal antidepressants, which are not as dangerous to the fetus and are no less effective. For example, St. John's wort, from which you need to prepare an infusion and take it orally, 300 ml three times a day. Before using any herbs or other folk methods To combat depression, you need to consult a doctor leading a pregnancy.

Preventive measures

To prevent depression in a pregnant woman, it is necessary:

Eat right and rationally, eat fresh fruits / vegetables;
Get enough sleep and get enough rest;
Walk daily;
Do something fun and useful activities, hobbies that bring joy;
Provide moderate physical activity;
Focus the inner mood on positive and positive emotions;
Be sure to take care of yourself;
Timely leave on maternity leave;
If you experience anxiety and depressive symptoms, contact a specialist in a timely manner.

A mother should always feel confident, loved and needed. When a depressed state appears, you need to pay more attention to yourself in order to accurately understand whether you have started to become depressed. Depression in pregnant women is a fairly common phenomenon, often safe, not threatening the baby. With timely measures taken, such a condition is quickly and effectively eliminated without the use of psychotropic drugs.

Pregnancy is the happiest time in every woman's life. The expectant mother is looking forward to the appearance of the baby, prepares undershirts, makes repairs in the apartment, arranges “photo shoots” and many other pleasant things. Unfortunately, according to various studies, from 10 to 15 percent of pregnant women are in a state of depression of varying severity.

Depression (from the Latin word for "suppress") is a mental disorder characterized by the "depressive triad":

Decreased mood and loss of the ability to experience joy.
Thinking disorders (negative judgments, a pessimistic view of what is happening).
Motor retardation.

Depression is recognized as the "plague of the twentieth century". At the same time, women are prone to depressive disorders 2-3 times more often than men.

Information During pregnancy, the symptoms of depression are less pronounced, but the consequences can be more serious, because not only the condition of the mother, but also the unborn child is at risk. The "hormonal storm" in the mother's body provides fertile ground for the development of depression.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors for depression in a pregnant woman:

Tendency to experiences, emotional instability, character traits.
The presence of depressive disorders, mental illness in close relatives.
Presence of depression before pregnancy.
Refusal of previous treatment due to fear of negative effects on the baby.
Unwanted pregnancy, doubts about one's strengths and capabilities.
Severe pregnancy - threatening miscarriage, severe toxicosis, pathological weight gain.
An unfavorable situation in the family is a difficult relationship with the father of the child, parents, older children.
Lack of fulfillment at work, the negative influence of colleagues and superiors.
Fear of upcoming changes and difficulties.
Fear of pain, fear of childbirth.

Anxiety manifestations

Everyone knows that the mood and emotional state of a pregnant woman is changeable. The systems of the female body are reorganized to bear the child, ensure its successful course, the setting of the mother's body for the upcoming birth. The nervous system is also completely rebuilt, the so-called "dominant of pregnancy" is formed.

But there are a number of signs that are alarming bells for the expectant mother and her loved ones:

feeling of sadness, emptiness, apathy;
previously enjoyable activities and hobbies do not bring the same joy;
loss of strength, drowsiness, lethargy;
inability to concentrate, remember, make a decision;
lack of appetite;
excessive appetite, "jamming" of experiences;
lack of sexual desire;
sleep disturbance (night awakenings, excessive sleepiness, nightmares);
feeling of uselessness, helplessness;
unwillingness to communicate with relatives, colleagues, desire for loneliness;
thoughts of death or suicide;
tearfulness, aggression, irritability;
vague pain, not amenable to treatment.

Additionally Depression is suspected if five or more of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks.

In addition to this simple method, there are a huge number of tables and tests:

Beck scale;
Zung scale;
Hamilton scale;
Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale;
Self-rating scale of depression and others.

A pregnant woman can pass all these tests on her own, but it is better if a specialist psychologist or psychotherapist helps to do this.

Treatment for depression - do it yourself

Important First of all, a pregnant woman needs the warm and friendly support of family and friends. Do not be afraid to tell your beloved husband, best friend or mother about their worries, ask for help and encouragement.

To cope with the manifestations of depression in a pregnant woman, you can start on your own:

Normalize the daily routine - try to rest as much as possible, allow yourself an hour and a half daytime sleep, go to bed earlier.
Start pleasant changes in your home - re-paste the wallpaper, plant flowers, order new curtains. Repair and cleaning in the apartment should be a joy, not a burdensome everyday duty.
It is very useful to diversify your life with light physical activity - sign up for yoga, swimming or Pilates courses. These types of loads are completely safe for the expectant mother and child.
Do not forget about yourself - watch your manicure, hair, visit a hairdresser or spa.
Be sure to eat well, even if there is no appetite at all. Fresh vegetables, fruits, must be in the diet of a pregnant woman every day. Do not forget about natural antidepressants:
- chocolate;
- bananas;
- almonds;
- seafood;
- green tea.

Non-drug treatments for depression

The next step in the fight against depression in pregnant women may be attending group or individual psychotherapy courses. As practice shows, classes in a group are more effective. Throughout the course, group members support each other, give advice, share their successes.

chronic pain syndrome.

There is a list of drugs that are relatively safe for the fetus:

tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, anafranil;
serotonin reuptake inhibitors: fluoxetine, zoloft, paxil.

Unfortunately, newborns may experience undesirable consequences of taking any antidepressants by a pregnant woman:

respiratory distress syndrome;
convulsive seizures;
temperature instability;
feeding difficulties;
vomit;
shiver;
nervous excitability;
constant crying;
drowsiness and others.

It is possible and necessary to fight depression not only for yourself, but also for your unborn child.

Every woman knows that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy greatly affect the emotional background, and frequent mood swings will haunt you for all 9 months. However, sometimes the psychological state of expectant mothers reaches a state of depression, which, as you know, requires medical supervision. What is the peculiarity of prenatal depression and what can be done to make it pass without a trace?

Why does depression occur during pregnancy?

Many women feel the approach of menstruation in a week. In addition to the pulling pain in the abdomen, there are almost always changes in mood on the swelling of the chest: some girls become whiny, others become capricious, and others become embittered. This is due to the hormonal background, because in a certain phase of the cycle, estrogen predominates, and in another - progesterone. The dominant hormone and takes on the role of a regulator of female mood.

The same thing happens during pregnancy. Many experts are sure that by the way a woman behaves in PMS, one can judge her behavior during childbearing. But depression is not at all the predominance of a bad mood or unreasonable sadness. This is a mental disorder in which the state of apathy, melancholy, depression and lack of life motivation is very persistent, and it cannot go away on its own.

The causes of depression during pregnancy are the following factors:

the pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted;
poor financial condition or a sharp deterioration in the financial sector (loss of work, business burnout, theft of money from a bank account);
separation from a husband or boyfriend;
refusal of the partner to participate in the upbringing of the child;
poor social and living conditions (eviction from a rented apartment, living in a barrack, "communal" or hostel);
severe pregnancy (severe toxicosis, weakness, threat of termination);
tendency to depression at the genetic level;
adverse results of a genetic examination or ultrasound that revealed congenital abnormalities of the fetus (for example, a high risk of Down syndrome);
hormonal dysfunction;
severe emotional shock (for example, the death of someone close to you);
long-term therapy with psychotropic or sedative drugs.

Sometimes depression can be caused by a combination of several risk factors.

The difference between depression and bad mood

Bad mood during pregnancy is a variant of the norm, provided that it is periodically replaced by emotional ups and downs. A woman can enjoy watching her favorite movie, eating a treat, walking in sunny weather or a hobby.

Depression is characterized by constancy, which does not go away under any circumstances. A woman is not happy with anything at all, she does not want to communicate with loved ones, go anywhere, she feels unnecessary. When depressed, she experiences either a constant feeling of hunger, or a complete lack of appetite.

The help of a psychologist is required if a woman refuses to leave the apartment, has no interest in anything, constantly sleeps or is depressed, moves away from people, cannot name the meaning of life, does not feel self-confident. She may be inclined to blame herself for everything or, on the contrary, blames others for her melancholy, feels distrust of the whole world, withdraws into herself.

The extreme stage of depression is the unwillingness to live and thoughts of suicide, so the sooner a woman turns to a psychologist, the sooner she will be able to cope with this dangerous condition. If the lack of interest in life, tearfulness and unwillingness to do anything is present daily and nothing brings pleasure, you should sound the alarm.

Features of prenatal depression in different periods of pregnancy

At different periods of pregnancy, a woman can experience both emotional ups and downs and a feeling of devastation. It depends on the events taking place, and on the condition of the woman, and on many physiological characteristics.

- 1 trimester

In the first trimester, a woman is characterized by a complete denial of her position. This can manifest itself in different ways: some cannot get enough of this event, they begin to imagine how their life will change for the better, how much there is to learn and see with the child.

Others, on the contrary, are upset, especially if the pregnancy was unwanted. They are characterized by feelings for any reason: severe toxicosis, weight gain, abandonment of their favorite activities (for example, active training). It takes time to get used to the restrictions that have arisen.

There is also a third category of women: they cannot come to terms with their situation, they begin to hysteria and react very sharply to everything, they do not sleep well, they withdraw into themselves. To some extent, different emotional changes are typical for every woman, but if a dejected and pessimistic mood is constantly present (for more than a month), and a woman does not have outbursts of joy, you need to think about the help of a psychologist.

- 2nd trimester

In the second trimester, the emotional state of a woman is the most stable. Toxicosis is already behind, the stomach is still not too big and heavy, but even here the psychological mood may not be the best. Experts call it the period of "search for the lost object", which means various kinds of prospects.

The first movements of the baby in the womb make the mother think about what “movements” await her in the future: will she be able to continue her studies, find a decent job, save her marriage, raise her child properly? Here for the first time comes the realization of what global changes await her ahead.

A woman can calm herself in only two ways. Either she will begin to be realized right here and now, signing up for foreign language courses, yoga for pregnant women, starting to read literature on psychology or cooking, or she will fall into a deep depression.

If nearby is loving husband, which supports in all endeavors, family, friends, it is easier for a woman to find strength and motivation in herself to do something. When condemning or criticizing others, an emotional outburst very often occurs, which leads to depression.

- 3rd trimester

The emotional state in the last period of pregnancy largely depends on how the woman felt in the second trimester. If she was in apathy, with the growth of the abdomen, the appearance of health problems and heaviness in the lower back, edema, constipation, the depressive state would only worsen.

If a woman is positive, in the third trimester there is anxiety and concern about the upcoming birth. It is completely normal to be afraid and worry, especially if the woman is primiparous. The risk group also includes those who give birth for the second time, if the first birth was complicated or ended in tragedy.

Some women, due to a sharp limitation of their own capabilities ( bad dream, difficulty walking, inconvenience due to a large belly) feel helpless, and here also close people come to the rescue and provide support.

Prenatal depression is not considered dangerous, because it is almost inevitable, however, stress and a constant state of anxiety negatively affect the baby and the body of the woman in labor before the birth process.

How to treat depression in a pregnant woman?

Depression is not a description of mood, but a dangerous condition that can be conditionally considered a disease, because it is treated with medication. Of course, pharmacy drugs are prescribed only in advanced cases.

At the first signs of depression, a woman should consult a psychologist. Sometimes it is difficult for a woman in labor to detect this condition in herself, and a husband or close relative should insist on a visit to a specialist.

After the examination, the psychologist will choose the appropriate method for correcting the emotional background. These can be hypnosis sessions, art therapy, special tasks that will help determine what caused a woman's depression. Then meetings with a psychologist will be aimed at stabilizing the mental state, which is achieved through awareness and acceptance of one's own position.

In severe forms of depression, medication is prescribed. A psychotherapist does not have the right to prescribe potent drugs, but both a psychotherapist and a neurologist can prescribe antidepressants.

If a woman notices that her mood is mostly bad, she should not separate herself from the outside world, but try to see all its charms. To do this, you should find a hobby or interests, see and communicate with friends more often, go to various events, and spend more time in nature.

In no case should you keep emotions in yourself. If something worries or worries you, you need to talk about it. close person, with emotional outbursts, it is allowed to cry, and laugh, and beat the dishes. In extreme cases, when you really want to talk to someone, but not be afraid of condemnation, you can call the psychological support hotline.

If the condition is prolonged, you need to urgently go to a psychologist. The soul also requires attention, like the skin, and the stomach, and any other organ.

It is wrong to call any despondency depression, because this term refers to medical and means a serious personality disorder. Antenatal depression is not a normal condition and should be monitored by a psychologist because it can be difficult to distinguish from normal pregnancy anxiety and anxiety. It is better if there is a loving and caring person next to the pregnant woman who can notice the symptoms of pregnancy in time and convince her to visit a specialist.

Specially for- Elena Kichak