If pregnancy is the best and happiest state of a woman, then why sometimes it happens the other way around? Why do some pregnant women fall into hopeless longing and depression, which, of course, affects the unborn baby?
Depression during pregnancy is the "gain" of our century. The hormones produced should supposedly bring more joy to a woman’s life, and it is, but this is on condition that the pregnant woman is socially and emotionally protected. Severe stresses and forcing negative attitudes for the emotional unstable psyche at this time are completely contraindicated.
But what if the oppressed state continues to worsen? How to get rid of depression during pregnancy?
Features of the mental state of a pregnant
If the pregnancy is planned and the woman is in a trusting relationship with the father of the child, then she does not experience special stresses. But hormonal changes still affect the psyche, and a woman can not do anything about it. Therefore, it is advisable for both the husband and colleagues at work to understand the state of the woman, to allow her to “let off steam”. And soon, with the onset of 2 trimesters, this should pass.
However, severe longing and a constantly gloomy and depressed state in the first trimester is not a normal manifestation of hormonal surges. Depression and psychosis do not belong to the norm of behavior during this period. Most likely, there are other reasons that must be dealt with. And if a woman feels depressed for a long time, it is better to turn to a psychologist.
Causes of Depression in Pregnant Women
The depressed and apathetic state of a woman who carries a child is a rather poor indicator. One thing is stress, which is easier to work with. But depressive disorder is treated primarily with medications. And any chemical drugs to the fetus are contraindicated.
What leads to this condition?
- Constant winding yourself.
- Excessive stress at work, leading to chronic fatigue and dissatisfaction with life.
- Unplanned and unwanted pregnancy.
- Risks of pathology in a child.
- Material insecurity.
- Quarrels with the husband or his relatives.
- Fears of being a bad mother.
- Disturbed hormonal background with problems in the functioning of the main hormonal "base" - the thyroid gland.
- Genetic predisposition.
- The death of a relative or close friend.
It makes no sense to think about what has not happened yet. That is what psychologists say at the reception. There is no need to worry and get to a nervous breakdown, fearing for the physical or mental disabilities of the unborn child. After all, if there are significant medical reasons leading to fetal malformations, then the gynecologist would inform you about this.
When it is planned to have a baby, it is important not only the physiological state of the expectant mother, but also her psychological health. If the girl has always been somewhat suspicious, overly cautious and inclined to exaggerate the difficulties of life, then it is necessary to undergo a course of psychotherapy and learn to cope with the influx of depressive thoughts.
How to detect depression?
As a disease that is based on the lack of certain mediators in the brain, depression has clearly defined characteristics. We list them:
- loss of appetite;
- a person constantly feels tired;
- exaggerated sense of worthlessness;
- irritability;
- unwillingness to talk with anyone;
- estrangement from loved ones;
- lethargy, there is no interest in anything;
- the world around us is losing paint for a person.
With her installations, a woman, as it were, drives herself into this dark corner. And if you do not work with your thoughts, then the situation will continue to deteriorate. A negative woman may lose a child. It is necessary to include reflection - be aware of your attitudes and change them to the opposite.
First and second trimesters
According to statistics, women are more likely to suffer from a disorder such as depression. They are more suspicious, susceptible to emotions and hard to endure quarrels with loved ones. Hormonal restructuring and various fears trigger a mechanism of depression, a woman feels that she cannot cope with anything, her stomach made her ugly, and her husband may already be looking for another. Such thoughts have a terrible effect on a woman.
Relatives and friends should support at this time, connect to some activity, interest in new books and films.
What is the danger of depression during pregnancy? The first trimester is dangerous because even many herbs known as sedatives are contraindicated, as they can cause a miscarriage. Baths with aromatic oils, which are used in case of neurosis and depression, are also prohibited. A woman will have to rely solely on psychotherapy and self-hypnosis.
In those cases where there are risks of an unsuccessful outcome of pregnancy, you should also not despair. Hope for the best. Indeed, probability is not a fait accompli.
Depression during pregnancy also develops due to disagreements with the husband, or even more so if the man refused to raise his child. Then the woman as soon as possible needs to start a course of psychotherapy and restore activity and pep. After all, she will have to be twice as difficult.
Depression during pregnancy. Third trimester. How to deal with panic?
Most of the gestational period is behind. You are in the third trimester. For what reasons can panic and depression develop at this time? Depression during pregnancy in the third trimester is often associated with fear of childbirth. Especially if a woman undergoes this experiment for the first time. Maternity courses help fight fears. At such courses, a woman will find support and find out how the birth takes place and how to prepare her body for this test.
Additional information from reliable sources always helps to better understand upcoming events and correctly tune in to them mentally. It is useful to read books by prominent obstetrician-gynecologists during this period, consult with your gynecologist, seek support on forums on the Internet. However, do not let yourself be intimidated by those whose first-birth experience was unsuccessful. Most likely, everything will be fine with you.
The influence of the emotional state of the pregnant woman on the fetus
Whatever the causes of depression during pregnancy, a woman cannot give up. Not in this situation. Depression of the mother is fraught with several negative consequences:
- the child may be born already with emotional disorders;
- the newborn will have low weight and poor health;
- spontaneous abortion.
A woman should understand that now she is responsible not only for her health, but also for the well-being of the baby inside her. You can’t refuse to eat, go out and mope all the time. She needs to go outside and breathe fresh air every day for 2-3 hours.
Perhaps the child will be emotional support for the woman and support when she grows up. It is better to think about it, and not be sad because of temporary difficulties and troubles. The most important task at this time is to make sure that the child knows from the womb that he is desired for this family. All that a woman and her environment must worry about is how to get out of depression during pregnancy.
If the expectant mother, due to disagreements at work or at home, feels an overabundance of negative emotions inside, she can scream and break a couple of plates if you want. A short burst of emotions will not harm the baby. Although it is still better to relieve stress with special gymnastics or yoga.
But a prolonged stressful state, which leads to a loss of enthusiasm and shakes the psyche - this is not good for both the mother and the fetus.
Girlfriend counselors
Of course, an expectant mother with depression needs support. Pregnant friends do not always have specialized knowledge in the field of psychology, and their advice should not be taken seriously. But their good location still needs to be appreciated.
Girlfriends do not always know that it is possible to say that it is impossible. For example, a person in such a depressed state does not need to be offered to "pull himself together." Or say a phrase like - "throw everything out of your head." Such phrases only spoil relations between people, since it is simply impossible to get together with apathy. It is useless to talk about understanding. If a person himself has not experienced depression, he cannot understand how difficult it is for another. All that can be done is to delicately suggest taking a walk and talking. But it’s better to speak with a psychologist during such periods of life.
What to do with depression?
If you know that not everything is all right, how people calm you down, and depression gradually develops during pregnancy, what should I do? To overcome the situation, you need to contact a specialist. It is very difficult to independently look at yourself and your reactions objectively. The psychologist, knowing that you are pregnant, will try to find a way out of the situation without the use of antidepressants. There are many ways to add joy to your days and learn to love life. So what do you need?
- Observe the daily routine is very strict. Do not let him get up later on Saturday. It is better to get up with the first rays of the sun and occupy yourself with your favorite thing.
- Swimming has an excellent healing effect. It is worth signing up for the pool.
- Get a parrot if you are not allergic to fluff. Parrots are funny and get along well with people. And he will not bring harm to the born child.
- Get interested in something new. For example, start learning a different language or go to drawing courses.
- It is useful to do yoga for pregnant women.
- Ask your husband to take you to the zoo or for some fun performance. It’s good for you to spend time together and build a warm relationship.
In many cases, you have to force yourself to be interested in something. The morning should begin with a squeezed smile. Even if at first the face with a distorted smile in the mirror seems unnatural and stupid. It is necessary to send a signal to the brain that "everything is OK!". Then there will be an appetite and a desire to go out and talk.
Depression during pregnancy is not the best way to show love for your man. Remember that your husband still needs your attention. He can still endure depression in the first trimester, but a man can not endure all 9 months of your implacable hostility towards him and the world and leave. This is too hard for him.
Antidepressants. Kinds
Depression during pregnancy - in the second trimester and, possibly, in the third - is sometimes treated with antidepressants, since a woman should actively take care of herself during this period, plan her life after childbirth, look for a good maternity hospital and so on. And antidepressants act faster than psychotherapy methods.
What types of antidepressants are suitable for women in position?
- (selective) serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);
- inhibitors of (selective) uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (IOSNS);
- tricyclic antidepressants.
Sometimes they give Bupropion. This type of drug is prescribed when selective inhibitors do not give the desired result. But this is not the best option for pregnant tablets.
Other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are completely contraindicated. They cause a delay in the development of the embryo. "Paroxetine" from the SSRI group leads to defects in the development of the heart muscle. And his psychiatrist also has no right to appoint.
Remember, you need to deal with depression in other ways. Antidepressants are extreme measures if they are already completely bad and restless. But it is better to go outdoors, walk more in the air, especially if the pregnancy occurred in the spring or summer.
How do SSRIs work?
No antidepressant acts well on the embryo. It is best to let the fetus develop naturally. But sometimes a woman can neither eat nor sleep, as she lacks serotonin - the hormone of joy. Therefore, drugs are needed so that the hormone is enough, at least in order to fall asleep.
Inhibitors of serotonin uptake are the latest 3 generation drugs that are designed to protect people from the negative effects as much as possible. Their effect is to lengthen the period during which the mediator acted on nerve cells. With its help, they treat neurosis, panic attacks, anxiety and depression.
How to deal with depression during pregnancy? Take pills on your own? In no case. Only as directed by a psychiatrist.
Folk wisdom to help pregnant
The pregnant woman should know what herbs she is forbidden to take during the gestational period. This is motherwort, lavender, plantain. Yarrow, St. John's wort and aloe are prohibited. Sage is suitable for rinsing the mouth, but it harms the blood circulation in the placenta. You can’t drink it. The valerian, which is usually calmed down, can cause a severe headache in a pregnant woman.
The best option for raising vital energy is to eat healthy foods. Oranges in the morning, juices, dried fruits. You can mix honey, nuts and dried fruits and eat a few tablespoons a day of such a mixture.
You can eat cheese and chocolate containing tryptophan. This food will help increase serotonin production. Cheese (but not moldy) can be consumed in any quantity. However, a pregnant woman should be extremely careful with chocolate. Eat orange foods - tangerines, carrots, pumpkin. Some scholars read this helps to tune in to joy. Lemons and grapefruits are also useful in small amounts. Depression during pregnancy (second trimester), if not too started, can be cured itself after setting a work and rest schedule and a dietary schedule.
You can not only cheer up food. Listening to your favorite songs and dancing also saves you from depression. A little warm-up in the morning and light housework are even necessary. If a woman is forbidden to do everything, then a depression will also develop from a lack of physical activity.
The benefits of communication
In a period of depression and apathy, you can not stay alone at home. Go to a poetry club to read poetry or to a concert of your favorite band. Try to find at least something that interests you and gives you a boost of vigor to continue working on yourself.
Be sure to take a course of psychotherapy. Depression during pregnancy, the second especially its trimester, is also dangerous because it takes away the opportunity to establish the emotional relationship between the mother and the embryo. Namely at this time it is important to speak with kindness with the child.
How can a psychologist help you? The specialist will develop a work plan with you, talk about how to improve your mood, dispel fears. And then the main stage of the "transformation" of negative attitudes into positive ones will begin.
findings
If you have been tormented for a long time by the question of how to cope with depression during pregnancy, you must definitely find a family psychologist. Working with a specialist will help to overcome all fears about the future, and by the time the time of birth arrives, the woman is usually mentally prepared for all possible events after a course of psychotherapy. And only in critical situations does the doctor prescribe the safest antidepressants.