Prenatal or prepartum depression is a type of depression that occurs during or after pregnancy. The symptoms of this common mood disorder vary in severity and include consistent low mood, fatigue and anxiety. If left untreated, prenatal depression can have a significant negative impact on individuals as well as the unborn foetus. There are a few known clinical causes of prenatal depression, and it is crucial to understand them so that prompt treatment can be sought.
Read on to acquire an insight into the causes of this disorder.
What are the Causes of Prenatal Depression?
Prenatal depression can affect individuals regardless of background and experience during pregnancy. Various factors may determine if an individual develops depression during pregnancy. Some of these factors include:
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A family history of mood disorders
Individuals are likely to get prenatal depression if they have a family history of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, or any other form of mental illness. Inherited genes may create a predisposition to prenatal depression. When diagnosing prenatal depression, physicians frequently look at the patient’s family history.
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Imbalance of chemicals in the brain
During pregnancy, the body’s hormones undergo drastic changes. These changing hormones often lead to depressive symptoms. When pregnant, many people also tend to feel anxious or even sad about different body changes. Pregnancy discomforts, especially for first-time moms, can easily induce depression.
Individuals may suffer from the ill effects of an unhealthy lifestyle and circumstances. Experiencing stressful life events such as marital issues, acute health problems, and workplace problems often exacerbate depressive symptoms during pregnancy. A lack of a support system or previous experiences with infertility or depression are also common prepartum depression causes.
Prenatal depression can also develop when expecting multiple babies or when carrying a foetus with special needs.
Conclusion
It is integral to understand the causes of prenatal depression so that individuals can access effective care and support. Prenatal depression can have severe consequences for families without medical intervention. It may be beneficial to speak with your healthcare provider about the signs of depression during pregnancy. If you believe yourself to be at risk of developing prepartum depression, consider purchasing a good health insurance plan to avoid financial strain during this sensitive time.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.