Many women experience complications during pregnancy. When we think about
those complications, our minds immediately go to miscarriage, preeclampsia,
gestational diabetes, or other physical ailments. But according to the
American Psychological Association (APA), depression is actually the number
one complication women experience during and post-pregnancy.
Dr.
Patricia De Marco, Medical Director of Hoag’s Maternal Mental Health Program, noted that depression
during pregnancy can not only have negative effects on an unborn baby,
but can even affect the long-term development of that child.
"We know that not treating depression or anxiety during pregnancy
can be very harmful to the pregnancy," Dr. De Marco told us. She
explained that anxiety and depression during pregnancy can lead to those
physical issues previously mentioned: "preterm birth, having a baby
who is smaller than his/her gestational age, higher rates of preeclampsia
and higher rates of C-section have been described," Dr. De Marco said.
Further, a mother struggling with untreated depression and anxiety may
be setting her unborn child up to experience the same ailments later down
the road. “A robust amount of data is emerging about fetal programming,
which is essentially how the mother’s hormones…prepare the
baby’s own neurochemistry to be able to adjust to the environment
outside the womb,” Dr. De Marco told HelloGiggles. “The stress
axis of a depressed or anxious mother may cause changes in the baby’s
neurochemistry to prepare him or her to a ‘hostile’ environment.
Thus, predisposing the child to future anxiety and depression.”
Often, depression does not enter the equation until after a child is born.
The APA found that one in seven women develop postpartum depression following
the birth of their child.
New mothers often experience a bout of “baby blues” —
feeling stressed, anxious, weepy, lonely, and tired — shortly after
the arrival of their child. But unlike baby blues, PPD does not go away
without treatment. It can instead linger for weeks or months after a baby’s
arrival. Warning signs of PPD vary from person to person. But some of
the most common signs of PPD include experiencing frequent anxiety or
panic attacks, eating in excess, loss of interest in things you used to
find enjoyable, and disinterest in the baby, family, or friends.
Recent studies have shown that new fathers can also be at risk for developing
PPD. New fathers and mothers should both be aware of warning signs.
Dr. De Marco noted that prevention of PPD starts with taking care of oneself.
“Self-care is key,” she told us, pointing out the importance
for new mothers to keep on top of their nutrition, physical activity,
and sleep habits.
"Information is power," Dr. De Marco continued. "Know the
signs and know yourself! Understand the risks of depression and learn
the symptoms. Identify early and seek help." She added that strengthening
one's support system and avoiding isolation is crucial to combating PPD.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PPD, help is out there. Seek the
aid of a psychologist or mental health professional who can set up a treatment
plan. And never hesitate to call the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE
(1-800-784-2433), the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: LifeLine
at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), or PPDMoms at 1-800-PPDMOMS (1-800-773-6667),
for help or extra support.
You’re not alone and help is a phone call away.
To view the original article on Hello Giggles, please click
here.