Prenatal depression occurs during pregnancy. Signs of depression during pregnancy include anxiety, extreme or continuous sadness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in eating habits. Unfortunately, some patients with severe cases of prenatal depression go to the extent of harming themselves or their newborn babies. This condition can only improve with the right treatments, including therapy, medications, or both.
Most pregnancies tend to present symptoms similar to depression. For example, the patient will likely experience fatigue or insomnia, gain weight, and undergo emotional changes similar to depression. Given this factor, pregnancy can hide signs of depression. Thus, it's important to be able to recognise depression symptoms quickly during pregnancy.
This article offers more details about the symptoms of prenatal depression.
What are the symptoms of prenatal depression?
Just like any random individual, it's normal for a pregnant woman to occasionally feel sad, worried, or anxious, especially from pregnancy hormones at play. However, you can easily sense signs of depression if symptoms such as anxiety or sadness refuse to go away even after several days or weeks. If this mood disorder continues for weeks or months, it can worsen.
Most pregnant women experiencing depression tend to present symptoms such as these:
- Anxiety, irrational thoughts, and constant worry
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or emptiness
- Feeling sad and pessimistic for an extended period
- Other signs of mood changes or mood swings such as irritability or crying often and excessively
- Difficulty connecting with one’s spouse or possible loss of interest in sex
- Changes in appetite, accompanied by an unusual loss or gain in weight
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, or withdrawal from family, friends, and other social circles
- Irritability, increased frustration and anger
- Sleeping for unusually long hours, or facing difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Neurological challenges include failing to remember things or concentrate, poor reasoning, or decision-making
- Having thoughts about self-harm or harming the baby
- Other physical signs that don't relate to any health condition may include constant headaches, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues
If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional help. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Conclusion
Prenatal depression is a common health condition among pregnant women. In severe cases, patients may harm themselves or their babies. Hence, seeking immediate medical intervention is very important if you know someone who is showing signs of depression during pregnancy. Your timely intervention can save the mother and her baby from possible self-harm. Fortunately, health providers can successfully treat this condition with therapy and medications. Therefore, it's crucial for every pregnant woman to always be backed by a sound health insurance plan, especially when money may drain out like water.
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.