What to do about depression during pregnancy? Depressive conditions in pregnant women Depression in a pregnant woman

The question of how to go to the toilet with a tampon worries many. It is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of this personal hygiene product, as well as the features of visiting the bathroom during menstruation.

Can you pee with a tampon?

Tampons are used during menstruation for comfort and protection of linen. Unlike pads, they do not interfere with active movement and sports. The hygiene product is placed inside the vagina to absorb blood. In this case, the tampon does not close the urethra and anus.

How to go to the toilet with a tampon without getting it wet

reproductive system separated from excretory. Urine and natural bowel movements do not fall on the tampon inside the vagina. Only menstrual flow remains on it. Rare exceptions occur in the presence of defects in the structure of the genitourinary system. In other cases, the tampon does not interfere with going to the toilet and you do not need to get it.

How to visit the bathroom during menstruation

To avoid discomfort and not harm your health, you need to follow the rules of hygiene:

• If the tampon still gets wet during urination, it means that it was inserted incorrectly. It needs to be changed. If this is not done, microbes will begin to multiply on it. Possible toxic shock.
• You don't need to take out a tampon. But if the tampon has fallen out, it cannot be inserted back. Bacteria remain on it, which can cause inflammation of the genital organs.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after going to the bathroom. Pollution on the palms is an accumulation of harmful microbes.
• With abundant discharge, the tampon is changed once every 3 hours. If menstruation is scarce, you can walk with one product up to 8 hours.
• Replacement of the tampon is accompanied by microtrauma of the vaginal mucosa. Inconspicuous wounds appear where bacteria enter. Therefore, frequent unreasonable replacement is not needed and is even harmful to women's health.
• To find out how full the tampon is, you need to lightly pull on the thread. If it slips out easily, it's time to replace it. The resistance indicates that the tampon is not completely saturated, which means that it is too early to change it.

How to write so that the thread does not get wet

The tampons are equipped with a strong thread for easy removal. She must stay outside. In no case should you put the thread into the vagina. When visiting the toilet, it is wrapped with a napkin or paper to protect it from pollution. Before urination, the thread is tilted back and held by hand. When hiking "in a big way", on the contrary, they raise it in front. It is important to keep the thread dry and clean so that dirt, moisture and germs do not penetrate further into the tampon. To prevent bacteria from entering the genital tract along with particles of feces, they are wiped with toilet paper in the direction from front to back.

When a girl shouldn't use tampons

It is undesirable to insert tampons if you have:

• inflammatory processes in the genital tract;
• allergic reaction to the components of the product;
• symptoms of severe intoxication;
• deviations in the structure of the genital organs.

Discomfort when going to the toilet indicates the wrong insertion of a tampon. The same is true when a hygiene product interferes with walking or sitting. In such a situation, it is better to pull it out and temporarily change it to a gasket. An improperly positioned product irritates and damages the mucous membrane, which must be allowed to recover. Among other reasons:

• wrong size tampon;
• drying of the mucous membrane of the vagina;
• chronic and acute gynecological diseases.

If the use of tampons invariably causes pain and discomfort, you need to contact a gynecologist for an examination. The doctor will identify the cause of discomfort and prescribe treatment.

Depression during pregnancy is a dangerous neurosis that threatens the mental and physical well-being of mother and child. Almost every seventh woman is diagnosed, half of the cases require serious help.

Traditionally, depressive disorder has been treated with antidepressants. For a pregnant woman, drugs are the worst of the therapeutic agents, followed by a trail of side effects. The lack of help in this severe neurotic situation also provokes pathologies in the development of the fetus. Therefore, the syndrome of depression requires a mandatory “solution”. A favorable outcome depends on therapeutic "terms".

Depression during pregnancy - what are its origins, how is the nature of the course expressed, the risks for the mother and fetus? Cope on your own, seek help from loved ones, whom to trust in this world of protracted bad weather? We will talk below about a neurotic illness that any woman can face and for which it is almost impossible to prepare. Alas, pregnancy is not always a happy event.

Causes of depression during pregnancy

"You are pregnant!". For the next nine months, you “should” be a happy smiling mom, immersed in sweet cares, surrounded by attention, love and reverent attitude from the whole world. The idyllic picture of a woman carrying a child has little in common with reality.

The hormonal system during this period provokes the emergence of pathological emotions, for a long time ignored problems begin to fill the living space at a catastrophic rate, not to mention serious injuries (loss of a loved one, break with the "father").

Even happy women(with a prosperous family, material situation) undergo emotional storms, exploding for any reason and falling into states of hopeless blackness. The same mothers who find themselves in a difficult life situation (an unplanned child, the absence of a husband, a poor financial situation) will almost certainly perceive their pregnancy as unwanted, and life as not developed and unsuccessful.

So, depression during pregnancy can be triggered by the following reasons:

• unsuccessful pregnancies in the past that ended in miscarriage;
• severe previous pregnancy with multiple complications;
• psychophysical problems (hormonal failure, severe toxicosis, change in appearance);
• poor financial situation in the family;
• lack of warmth and support from the husband or his absence;
• psychological trauma of the past (domestic violence);
• untreated depression in the mother or other family members (relatives, close people);
• unplanned pregnancy.

Any stressful situation in the present or past can lead to the development of one of the most severe psychoneurotic disorders. The disease, in principle, can affect every person - even mentally stable and endowed with strong immunity against stress. After all, it is not in vain that the problem is being discussed today in the context of the most dangerous neurotic syndromes and becomes the “leader” among them.

A pregnant woman is distinguished by a special susceptibility, suspiciousness, anxiety - the specifics of the "position". Mom is not so much in a state of euphoria from an imminent birth, but is preoccupied with a million other issues associated with the situation. An already tense situation can explode at the slightest pretext. And life has many reasons. There is only one "reason" - our human psyche, which develops and forms under the influence of countless conditions.

It must be remembered that a depressed husband or any other close person who is in this state is “contagious”. It has been established that neurosis tends to be "transmitted" in a circle of emotionally close people. Therefore, during the examination, it is so important to establish the correct picture, to discover the true cause, and not to use generally accepted formulas.

Depression during pregnancy - what does it look like?

The disease expresses itself with a number of symptoms that are stable (lasting from two or more weeks):

• a state of despondency or apathy - loss of interest in what is happening;
• increased irritability, tendency to hysteria, tearfulness;
• low self-esteem, total uncertainty about oneself and the future;
• appetite disorders - excessive or lack thereof;
• a feeling of hopelessness, meaninglessness, other decadent states;
• hypertrophied sense of guilt;
• behavioral disturbances - motor excitation or slow movements;
• thoughts of suicide.

The spectrum of manifestations of depression is extremely wide - from aggressive behavior to unwillingness to live. The first “call” is increased tearfulness and fears for a favorable pregnancy prognosis. Tears can begin to flow in streams for no reason, it is impossible to fall asleep, awakening is painful. At this time, relatives may incorrectly "rank" the situation.

The development of the clinical picture of depression can be perceived as a typical condition of a pregnant woman with her whims. The symptoms are so similar to the behaviors that are widespread among pregnant women. The persistent nature of the syndrome should cause concern and be a reason to see a doctor.

It is known that the emotional state of the mother affects the development of the child. The first weeks and months of pregnancy are the most vulnerable period. Depression at any stage of pregnancy can lead to tragedy.

Effects of mother's depression on children

It has been established that the depressive disorder of a pregnant woman has a strong impact on the development of the fetus and the health of the child in the future. Are there some possible consequences of an untreated neurosis:

• increased risk of preterm birth;
• miscarriage;
• the birth of an underweight baby;
• early childhood mortality;
• respiratory failure;
• neurological disorders;
• cerebral paralysis;
• depression in a child in the future;
• hyperactivity syndrome or other behavioral / mental disorders in the baby.

The level of the stress hormone cortisol during depression is significantly increased, which threatens the life of the fetus. Therefore, it is not necessary to treat the disease as a bad mood and let it flow by itself - this is fraught with tragic consequences. Our mental condition affects the physical and vice versa.

You can ignore your own health, but when it comes to the life of a little man inside you, delay is tantamount to deliberate sabotage. Even an unwanted pregnancy must be passed with head held high and thoughts directed to the future.

In addition to the fact that depression during pregnancy threatens the child, it becomes the cause of postpartum nervosa. And this will lead to the fact that the mother will be incompetent in the field of caring for her child. The joy of motherhood will pass by, all warm maternal feelings will be absent. And all this can be avoided. You can defeat the disorder and you need to do this in order to be a happy person, woman, mother.

Depression during pregnancy by trimester

Changes in mood in the first weeks of pregnancy are a common consequence of this condition. It is necessary to distinguish between increased emotional sensitivity in the first trimester and depression. The first is a physiological norm due to changes in hormonal levels. The main sign of a depressive syndrome is a protracted nature, obsessive talk about one's anxiety, beliefs like "everything is bad, but it will be even worse."

The second trimester forces a woman to think deeply about her condition, which can lead to the thoughts “my life because of the child will no longer belong to me.” The harder the physical reminder of the situation (back pain, toxicosis, painful coarsening of the mammary glands, weight gain), the more pessimistic thoughts become. And the addition of other problems - financial, interpersonal - can provoke a real disaster.

The third trimester is most often characterized by a state of panic even in the most balanced women. Maximum load on the organs, a feeling of dependence on others, fear of the upcoming birth, intrusive thoughts“I am no longer interested in my husband”, “he is with me only out of pity”, loss of sexual attractiveness, dissatisfaction with oneself is an “ideal” basis for the onset of depression or its development from mild forms.

At each stage, neurosis affects the health of the mother and, most importantly, the fetus. Untreated depression during pregnancy will develop into (in addition to the harm that has already been caused to two participants in the process). Therefore, the question of the need for treatment is not discussed today. Disputes are only about methods of therapy. It is beneficial for the pharmaceutical industry to support its “product”, “safe” antidepressants for pregnant women appear annually. The side effects are often ignored.

Treating depression during pregnancy with medications

An antidepressant is a traditional cure for depression. There is on the market great amount pharmacological drugs, and almost any of them has a teratogenic effect. You need to understand that an antidepressant is the “last” treatment, an extreme measure. Medical treatment fraught with the development of fetal defects, which manifest themselves in:

• cardiovascular diseases in a baby (often - congenital heart disease);
• lagging behind in psychophysical development;
• endocrine disorders;
• problem with adaptation
• pulmonary hypertension.

In extreme cases, if the risk from depression outweighs the possible risk from drugs, pregnant women may be prescribed: Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Serzon, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Citalopram. Fortunately, if earlier the prescription of these drugs was uncontrolled and ubiquitous, today they are used less frequently. Even the “relatively safe” ones from this list guarantee only the absence of the risk of miscarriages and stillbirths, but do not exclude possible malformations (in any case, we must not forget: self-medication is dangerous, a doctor’s consultation is necessary).

There is a lot of talk on the Internet about St. John's wort as a "harmless" herbal antidepressant. As for its use during pregnancy, it must be clearly understood that the active substances contained in St. John's wort are not much different from those obtained chemically. In addition, there are absolutely no studies on its effect on the fetus. Therefore, it must be recognized that St. John's wort is not harmless. And all the warnings that we talked about fully apply to St. John's wort.

Treatment of depression during pregnancy with electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy, despite its "dangerous appearance", is safer for a pregnant woman than antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs. But the method is used only in the treatment of particularly severe forms of depression that directly threaten a woman's life.

The procedure consists in applying an electric current to cause a seizure, as a result of which the stress hormone is suppressed. Among the side effects of the method: increased arterial and intracranial pressure, increased heart rate, short-term memory loss, increased uterine tone. The risks to the fetus are extremely high.

Thus, untreated depression and its "wrong" treatment are fraught with almost the same consequences. Psychotherapy is becoming the only safe way out of the impasse, and its effectiveness is no longer criticized today. Non-drug therapy for depression is possible - and this is one of the main discoveries of our time.

Treatment of depression during pregnancy with psychotherapy

Mild depression can be corrected "at home". But the game of "psychotherapist" does not always end favorably. The role of the “healer” of the soul can be tried on by a husband or any other close person. But you must be firmly convinced that the condition of a pregnant woman does not pose a danger to all members of the game: mother, fetus, "psychotherapist" and other participants.

• it is necessary to involve a pregnant woman in any process, useful activity;
• organize a complete relaxing holiday;
• normalize the diet, sleep / wakefulness;
• physical education for pregnant women, swimming are excellent natural antidepressants;
• art therapy, yoga will help you find harmony with yourself;
• heart-to-heart conversations are vital for a pregnant woman, as well as active communication in general.

The help of loved ones is extremely important in this situation, but it is important to understand that depression is a disease. The “sick” needs sympathy, but sinking into a depressive state with her, sharing her pessimism, supporting her despair is impossible. It is necessary to maintain an "emotional distance".

Professional psychotherapeutic help will help to avoid the pathological development of the scenario. Non-drug treatment depression during pregnancy through hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective and safe way state correction [ , ]. The psychotherapist will help to gain a sense of spiritual comfort, eliminate the causal factor, correct distorted beliefs, and “teach” correct positive thinking.

On the issue of prevention

Ideally, when the onset of pregnancy is preceded by the prevention of depression, which consists in a set of measures:

• normalization of the climate in the family;
• improvement of the financial situation;
• the ability to prevent and resist conflicts;
• elimination of mental trauma and phobias through psycho-correction or auto-training;
• healthy sleep/wake patterns;
• complete and balanced diet.

In reality, it is much more difficult to acquire “mental immunity”. And life always strives to demonstrate one more of its facets, the one to which there was no vaccination. Psychotherapy is not only a vaccine against depression, but also the only way. There is no safer and more efficient alternative.

Mom needs to realize that her condition requires treatment. Timely seeking help (in the early stages) will greatly facilitate the process of recovery and recovery. Pregnancy can be happy and should be. Don't blame yourself, take action!

Pregnancy is definitely a wonderful time. But sometimes it is overshadowed by psychological problems.

One of the most common conditions during this period is depression, which is diagnosed in about 10% of expectant mothers.

It is important to understand that this problem is a rather serious disease that can adversely affect the condition of the child. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor in time.

• All information on the site is for informational purposes and is NOT a guide to action!
• Give you an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS only DOCTOR!
• We kindly ask you DO NOT self-medicate, but book an appointment with a specialist!
• Health to you and your loved ones!

The reasons

For a long time, it was widely believed that during the period of bearing a child, certain hormones are produced in the female body that prevent the appearance of depressive conditions. However, over time, experts have noticed that stressful situations and physical activity, which often accompany pregnancy, significantly increase the likelihood of developing depression.

Additional problems for expectant mothers only exacerbate their condition. For example, one of the most common factors leading to depression is relationship difficulties with the baby's father.

Also, depression during pregnancy can be due to the influence of such factors:

Some women face disrespectful treatment during childbearing, which also provokes emotional disturbances. Depressive states often occur in expectant mothers who have suffered from emotional or physical abuse in the past.

At risk are women who already had depression before pregnancy. Also, the likelihood of developing this disorder is higher in those whose relatives suffer from psycho-emotional disorders. This history can cause both prenatal and postnatal depression.

Symptoms

To detect depression in a timely manner and provide expectant mother help, you need to know what signs are characteristic of this condition:

The effect of depression during pregnancy on the fetus

Doctors say that depression quite strongly affects the development of the child and his health in the future. If this violation is not dealt with in a timely manner, the following consequences may arise:

• miscarriage;
• premature birth;
• insufficient body weight of the child at birth;
• the development of respiratory failure in the baby;
• early childhood mortality;
• neurological disorders;
• depression in the baby in the future;
• hyperactivity and other mental disorders in a child.

Depression is associated with an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. This poses a real threat to the life of the child. Therefore, this disease should not be left to chance - it can cause tragic consequences.

In addition to the fact that depression negatively affects the condition of the child, it can lead to the development of postpartum neurosis. As a result, a woman simply will not be able to fully care for the baby.

She will not be able to experience the joy of motherhood. Therefore, depression during pregnancy should never be ignored.

How to help yourself

To minimize the likelihood of developing depression or reduce its manifestations, a pregnant woman must follow certain rules:

How to behave to close people

Quite often, close people fail to understand the emotions and experiences of the expectant mother. They begin to get angry and nervous, to advise the woman to pull herself together. However, she is unable to do so.

In fact, during depression, the expectant mother needs the support of loved ones more than ever. However, she does not always realize that she needs help. Thanks to correct behavior relatives, a woman will be able to quickly overcome depression.

It is very important for her family members not to succumb to the mood of the expectant mother. To do this, you need to constantly remind that depression is a temporary phenomenon, and therefore the condition of a pregnant woman will soon return to normal. It is very important to avoid criticizing the expectant mother, do not blame her. At the same time, it is important to remind that she is not to blame for the appearance of this condition.

Depression during pregnancy is a serious problem faced by many women. In no case should this condition be left unattended, because it negatively affects the health of the woman herself and the development of her baby. If depression has severe manifestations, you should definitely consult an experienced doctor.

When a woman first realizes that she will soon become a mother, in most cases she feels incredible joy and a surge of vitality. In isolated cases, pregnancy becomes an extreme test for a weak female psyche, which is typical for women with an unstable emotional background and an increased tendency to a dull state. This condition is very dangerous, therefore, at the first appearance of pathology, a woman needs adequate treatment. How to suspect this disease in yourself and how to deal with depression during pregnancy?

The concept of "depression" refers to a whole range of psychological disorders, which are accompanied by unreasonable depression, an oppressed and melancholy worldview, a complete loss of joy and any aspirations in life.

In addition, with the development of depression, low self-esteem, a sharp reaction to external stimuli, unreasonable irritability or complete apathy towards the outside world are often stated. Often, an undiagnosed pathology in time leads to the development of alcohol dependence and the appearance of suicidal thoughts. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of depression in a future mother plays a very significant role in the future of a woman and a baby.

Nature made sure that the entire pregnancy proceeded in harmony and tranquility. But the crazy rhythm modern life, rigid social standards and the many fears that they generate have led to more frequent occurrence of depression in expectant mothers.

An important factor in the development of the disease is the internal state of the woman. A lot of worries about the ongoing pregnancy, the moral perception of her role in the life of the unborn baby and many other aspects make a woman a hostage to her thoughts. And if at this moment stress tolerance is losing ground, the risk of succumbing to despondency instantly increases. And if a woman does not receive full moral support, then depression is guaranteed to her.

The main causes of depression during gestation are:

• Severe stress on the background of an unplanned pregnancy.
• Critical social and living conditions (for example, lack of housing, difficult moral situation at home, lack of support from a husband, etc.).
• Financial insecurity (loss of work, existing large credit).
• The disinterest of the husband or other relatives in the birth of the baby.
• Complication of pregnancy (terrible toxicosis, the risk of developing pathology in the fetus).
• Tendency to depression at the genetic level (if someone in the family has such a disease, then a pregnant woman has a very high risk of experiencing depression).
• Exhausting fertility treatment or frequent cases miscarriage (if the first pregnancy ended in the loss of a baby, then in the second pregnancy depression will become a natural phenomenon against the background of fear of losing the child again).
• Hormonal dysfunction, especially from the thyroid gland (low thyroid function is often accompanied by panic attacks, blues, detachment).
• The transferred severe psychological shock (loss loved one, cardinal change of residence not at will, etc.).
• Long-term treatment with psychotropic or sedative drugs.

Depression during gestation can occur due to poor heredity, psychological or physical abuse, or a wide variety of emotional factors. In each case, the pathogenesis of the disease is individual and, fortunately, perfectly amenable to correction.

Depression during pregnancy: symptoms of pathology

The first signs of illness during pregnancy are inexplicable mood swings, tearfulness, sleep disturbance and “weakness” in the morning, panic fears before childbirth. Against the background of such signs, the condition of the pregnant woman deteriorates sharply, and other symptoms of depression soon join:

• Pathological appetite (constant feeling of hunger or complete refusal of food).
• Chronic fatigue and irritability.
• Loss of interest in the world around, a complete lack of joy.
• Detachment from people, unwillingness to communicate even with loved ones.
• Agoraphobia (fear of leaving the apartment).
• Loss of self-confidence, feeling of guilt in everything that happens.
• Constant drowsiness and a desire to close in on oneself (apathy).
• Suspiciousness and lack of self-esteem.
• Feeling of helplessness and uselessness, less often - a desire to commit suicide.

Of course, individual signs of this disease during pregnancy can occur in any woman, which is caused by a special relationship between the psycho-emotional background and the neuroendocrine system. But such phenomena are temporary. If such a picture is repeated from day to day, the woman is shown an examination by a psychologist.

A fairly common occurrence is depression during a second pregnancy. A woman, having learned that she is pregnant, especially if the conception has not been planned, succumbs to panic attacks. This happens if at the moment there is no way to have another baby or the first pregnancy was extremely difficult. As a rule, after a couple of days, adaptation to the new position occurs, and the symptoms of depression disappear on their own.

Features of the course of depression during pregnancy in different trimesters

During pregnancy, a woman's consciousness goes through several stages that help her accept her new position, prepare for childbirth and plan a new alignment of life with her baby. During this entire period, uncertainty and various external factors can contribute to the development of mild despondency or panic, and sometimes result in real depression. Consider how depression can manifest itself in different terms, and how to understand when this can be taken as the norm, and when the help of a doctor is required.

Depression during pregnancy - first trimester

From the point of view of psychologists, the first three months is the stage of “complete denial” by a woman of her current position. While the embryo is growing rapidly, the woman continues to make her plans, not taking into account her pregnancy. For example, planning a world tour that coincides with the last week of pregnancy or going skydiving over the weekend. This is a completely normal phenomenon that occurs unconsciously, however, if the pregnancy proceeds without toxicosis or any complications. And only with the beginning of the second trimester, a woman begins to perceive the world in a completely different way.

In the first weeks, the psycho-emotional background is greatly modified under the influence of hormones. A woman needs time to curb her fears and worries. In addition, a woman has to give up many things that are familiar to her, for example, horseback riding or sauna visits. And if, in addition to all this, her relationship with her husband and relatives is not very warm at home, then absolutely any woman can fall into a deep depression.

However, one must clearly distinguish between mood swings and depression due to hormonal changes and serious psychological problem. Indeed, after conception, a woman often becomes unrecognizable - she becomes hysterical, cries, suffers from insomnia, closes in herself. But after accepting her position, she again returns to her usual state.

But when such behavior drags on (more than a month), the mood becomes more depressing and pessimistic, and in the conversation you can hear speeches about a terrible future and unwillingness to change something, then this is a clear signal of growing depression. This is a rather alarming condition, so a woman should be gently referred to a specialist who will tell in detail how to get rid of depression during pregnancy.

Important! Severe forms of depression are subject to correction only with the help of antidepressants, which is very undesirable during early gestation. But when contacting a doctor when the first alarming bells appear, it is quite possible to get by with physiotherapy.

Pregnancy and depression - second trimester

Starting from the second trimester, a woman enters a new period called "search for the lost object." By "lost object" can be understood promising work, school, favorite pastimes and even friends. With the first movements of the baby, the expectant mother begins to worry about his future, and for the first time she realizes that her whole measured life will change dramatically after childbirth.

On a note! If a woman has a tendency to apathy and suspiciousness, then depression during pregnancy in the later stages will greatly worsen with the appearance of increasing back pain, physical limitation due to the growth of the uterus with the baby, preeclampsia and other complications that reduce the comfort of life.

At this stage, a woman can go two ways: self-actualize in new areas, for example, enroll in courses foreign language or cooking class. Or undergo a colossal emotional storm and become depressed. How exactly a woman will behave will largely depend on her environment.

Depression during pregnancy in the third trimester

Psychologists often refer to the last weeks of gestation as the period of "prenatal depression". Panic attacks that cannot be curbed can occur even in the most balanced ladies. This happens for many reasons. Firstly, all women are frightened by the very process of childbirth, especially if there have been cases in the family with a not very favorable outcome. And, secondly, a big tummy, weakness and back pain make a woman helpless. This causes tearfulness, bad mood and a feeling of uselessness.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, depression before childbirth refers to safe disease, with which a woman is able to cope on her own, as soon as her hormonal background stabilizes during childbirth. But doctors do not cease to assert that stress, anxiety, tantrums before childbirth greatly affect the condition of the baby. And if you do not control yourself, there is a high probability that the child will not sleep well, cry a lot and develop more slowly.

Diagnosis and treatment of depression in early pregnancy

There are two main reasons for visiting a psychologist:

• A gloomy mood that does not change throughout the day and has lasted for more than 14 days.
• Indifference to everything around for the same time.

Of course, other symptoms of depression should also be in doubt, but they will always be accompanied by the two signs mentioned.

Once in a psychologist, the woman will be examined in terms of emotional stability, and genetic tests will be carried out to establish a predisposition to depression. To do this, doctors use various tests, and the results are compared with the Hamilton Scale and the Hospital Anxiety Scale.

After establishing the degree of the disease, the woman is prescribed adequate therapy, taking into account her gestational age. Mild forms of depression are successfully overcome with the help of a hypnotic session or by the method of individual psychological study of the problem that contributed to this state of the woman. Recognizing and accepting one's fears often leads to a rational-positive perception, and a woman begins to notice the world around her.

More severe forms of depression are corrected with drugs - antidepressants. This is shown only if a woman cannot achieve a stable remission, the woman does not want to admit the problem, or her mood is dominated by suicidal thoughts.

The choice of drugs, the calculation of the dose and the duration of treatment is established only by the doctor. Self-administration is absolutely unacceptable, since the improper use of antidepressants can cause heart defects in the baby, hernia, and severe complications in the postpartum period.

Depression during pregnancy: what to do?

When a woman realizes that her mood is not quite normal, she often has dangerous thoughts, or simply does not want anything, she can take action and prevent her condition from worsening. Of course, the right decision would be to talk with an obstetrician-gynecologist, and if necessary, with a psychotherapist. Then she will receive clearer recommendations that are relevant in her case.

But if the situation is not difficult, and a woman simply cannot overcome the protracted blues, experts advise the following ways to cope with depression during pregnancy:

• Stabilize your daily routine: go to bed and wake up at the same time, this will reduce mood swings.
• Actively spend time in nature with loved ones: the flow of air and positive emotions will drive away depression.
• Review your diet: give up tonic drinks and ensure a regular intake of vitamins and carbohydrates, fatty acids.
• Take up a light sport like yoga or swimming. Such activities will contribute to the synthesis of the hormone of happiness.
• Switch from dull bustle to an exciting activity: choose for yourself any hobby you like.
• Get a pet if you don't have allergies. Caring for a pet will prepare you for future care of your baby.
• Start thinking positively. At first, you will have to control every thought, constantly pulling your mind, but very soon you will turn from a terrible pessimist into a joyful optimist.
• Do not close your emotions in yourself: feel free to cry, express your fears or grievances. If there is no one to support you at home, contact a psychologist.

Frequently changing mood during pregnancy is a normal condition for a woman. Therefore, with minor symptoms, you should not look for depression in yourself. But if you understand that life has lost its meaning and you are increasingly moving away from loved ones, seek help from a doctor as soon as possible.

Video "Why does depression occur in a pregnant woman?"

The birth of a new life is a joyful event for every woman, but often pregnancy becomes a difficult emotional test for a future mother. During this period, a woman may experience uncertainty, anxiety and fear of childbirth. Experts explain this state of affairs as a consequence hormonal imbalance which is considered normal during pregnancy. Given that social problems can be added to physiological symptoms, depression during pregnancy can take a threatening form not only for the mother, but also for the baby.

Emotional depression and instability of the psychological background are most noticeable from the outside. Therefore, depression in early pregnancy or prenatal depression in pregnant women can be diagnosed by close relatives and gynecologists.

Cause of mental disorder

Pregnancy is a physiological process during which, in the absence of complications, the hormonal background of a woman changes, protecting the expectant mother and fetus from unwanted stress and negative phenomena. However, not all pregnancies are the same.

Women with an increased sense of responsibility even before the onset of childbirth begin to escalate the situation, filling their thoughts with unnecessary fears. Suspiciousness and excessive sensitivity can provoke the formation in the subconscious of self-doubt, the correctness of the decision made. Pathological condition, identified in the first trimester, can be projected for the entire period of gestation. Depression before childbirth is the most common mental disorder that brings a lot of trouble to the expectant mother.

Prenatal depression is a serious pathological mental disorder that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Clinical picture such a disease can be quite diverse. Some women simply feel a slight apathy for everything, others experience periodic panic attacks and unreasonable fear.

Depression in pregnant women occurs regardless of the age of the patient. Complex family relationships and difficult life situations greatly complicate the task of doctors, therefore, when deciding what to do and how to cope with depression during pregnancy, an individual approach is required.

Which women are at risk

When analyzing the most common cases of depression during pregnancy and related life factors, certain groups of women can be identified that are most prone to such a disorder:

• Hereditary predisposition of women to mental disorders. In such patients, the risk of depression during pregnancy in the first and third trimester is most likely.
• Difficult family relationships, in particular with the father of the child. The emotional background of the expectant mother can be disturbed by the man's insufficient attention to the events taking place. As you know, coping with any difficulties is much easier.
• Negative experience of a previous miscarriage, multiple miscarriages and induced births can also cause depression during pregnancy. The fear that events may repeat itself makes a woman nervous throughout the entire period of gestation.
• Prenatal depression in pregnant women can be triggered by long-term treatment for infertility, as well as the presence of pathological diseases in the patient internal organs. Anxiety that diseases can interfere with the normal development of the baby gradually develops into a constant panic fear, which does not allow you to switch to positive emotions. In this state, a woman, instead of deciding how to help herself get rid of the negative, on the contrary, exacerbates the situation. As a result, depression before childbirth takes a severe form.
• Changes in the structure of the brain that provoke emotional disturbances in all trimesters of pregnancy may be the result of bad habits mothers (smoking, alcohol dependence, intoxication with harmful chemicals).

Symptoms of the disease

Pregnancy and depression are a fairly common phrase. Anxiety for the health of the child, the upcoming birth is accompanied by various clinical symptoms:

• causeless irritation for any reason;
• lack of emotional arousal;
• feeling of self-doubt and low self-esteem;
• constant sleepiness;
• unwillingness to leave the premises;
• heightened sense of hunger;
• feeling of constant negativity;
• refusal to attend a antenatal clinic.

Severe depression during pregnancy can bring a woman to suicidal thoughts. More often than not, however, these considerations remain unfulfilled.

Depression in the first trimester

A mental disorder that appears during early pregnancy is most often the result of a physiological restructuring of the body. New sensations, early toxicosis, various restrictions make the expectant mother experience a whole range of feelings.

The first trimester is the most difficult period. A woman is forced to give up some of her favorite activities and bad habits. Often a woman begins to reproach the father of the child for inattention to herself. All these events form a negative mood in the subconscious, despite the fact that the pregnancy passes without complications.

Mild psycho-emotional instability from a medical point of view is considered an indirect symptom of the conception that has occurred. Therefore, the main task of doctors is the correct diagnosis of the problem. It is rather difficult to predict what consequences may occur due to a depressive state, however Emotional disruption can have a negative impact on nervous system baby. A fetus born in a state of constant stress does not gain weight well.

Mental disorder second trimester

In the second trimester, a woman is fully aware of her position. During this period, thoughts about cardinal changes in life begin to emerge in my head. The expectant mother begins to worry about the temporary cessation of work activities and look for new daily activities. Provided that the pregnant woman was able to independently plan her daily routine, find a suitable hobby and distract from negative thoughts, second trimester depression can go unnoticed.

However, getting rid of depression on your own is not always possible. The physiological symptoms of the second trimester cause a woman to experience daily negative emotions. A visible change in the figure, frequent urination, back pain, breast sensitivity cause constant discomfort, as a result of which the expectant mother begins to think about possible complications.

Depression in the third trimester

Depression during late pregnancy is considered the most likely occurrence. This time becomes the most difficult for the expectant mother. The woman begins to be overcome by anxious thoughts about the approaching birth, she increasingly seeks solitude, becomes taciturn and secretive. Since it is quite difficult to deal with depression during pregnancy on your own, during this period a woman may need the help of a qualified psychologist.

depression on recent weeks pregnancy can take an acute form. The maximally enlarged belly prevents a pregnant woman from fully resting or relaxing. All thoughts of the expectant mother are directed to the approaching birth. Often, a negative attitude is aggravated by the fact that everyone around is constantly asking when the baby will finally be born.

Psychologists say that the stressful state transmitted to the baby through the placenta in the 3rd trimester can gain a foothold in his subconscious and further have a negative impact on the psyche of a growing child. Children who experience stress in the womb develop more slowly and lag far behind their peers.

In case of revealing alarming symptoms, a pregnant woman needs to urgently seek help, since the calmer the expectant mother feels, the easier the birth of the baby will be. In addition, a woman will need a lot of strength in the postpartum period.

Disease prevention

In order for a depressive state not to overshadow the happiest and most exciting period of a woman’s life, it is necessary to take preventive measures in a timely manner. First of all, a woman needs the support of close relatives. Having become pregnant, the expectant mother feels the need for constant communication. It is very important for her that the event that happened has a positive assessment.

In addition, for the prevention of depression, certain rules must be observed:

• do not engage in excessive physical activity;
• eat well;
• often walk in the fresh air;
• observe the daily routine;
• communicate with women in position;
• try to get only positive emotions;
• take care of your appearance;
• do your favorite activities;
• visit a doctor in a timely manner.

It is worth noting that minor mood swings, temporary pessimism, moodiness are an absolutely normal state of a pregnant woman. Such emotional manifestations help the expectant mother relieve stress and tune in a positive way.