Understanding and Managing Depression in Pregnant Women: Treatment Options and Risks

2023-06-14 20:30:26

pregnant woman depression

“Male dominates outside, woman dominates inside” is no longer enough to accurately describe the role of women in today’s society. Many dual-career women need to shoulder the burden of career and caring for the old and young at home. Suffering from depression, physically and mentally trapped. For example, if a woman suffers from depression during pregnancy, studies have shown that the high-pressure emotions of pregnant women may affect the nutrition absorption and brain development of the fetus, and may even cause premature birth.

Psychiatrist Zhao Peiyu said that even if women seek medical treatment following giving birth, they will worry that following taking antidepressant drugs, the ingredients of the drugs will be passed to the baby through breast milk and refuse to take the drugs, which will eventually make the depression difficult to control. Fortunately, there are different treatment options. Doctors will weigh the risks and benefits of treatment and choose the most suitable treatment option for patients.

neurotransmitter imbalance

Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending messages in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine, and when these substances are out of balance, it may lead to depression. Patients will be depressed for a long time, feel negative regarding the past, present and future, and be irritable. At the same time, it will also affect their physiology, such as insomnia, loss of appetite, menstrual disorders, etc., and even suicidal thoughts. Zhao Peiyu pointed out, “Surveys have shown that women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. There are many reasons for this, including hormonal changes before and following menstruation, pregnancy and postpartum, which put women at greater risk of depression .”

孕婦抑鬱

pregnant woman depression

孕婦抑鬱

pregnant woman depression

Babies at increased risk of behavioral problems

If a woman suffers from depression during pregnancy, it will directly affect the development of the fetus. Zhao Peiyu explained that pregnant women suffering from depression may suffer from insomnia and loss of appetite. These conditions are not conducive to fetal growth. What’s more, when pregnant women are in a state of high pressure, it will affect the nutritional absorption of the fetus, or cause the baby to be underweight or even premature. “After the baby is born, the impact will gradually emerge. Studies have shown that the baby’s antibodies may be weaker, which increases the risk of developing allergies or asthma, is more likely to affect brain development, and is more likely to have emotional, concentration or behavioral problems. “Therefore, the problem of depression in pregnant women should not be underestimated. If you have any doubts, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

mild psychotherapy

There are two main types of treatment options for depression: psychotherapy and medication. Patients with mild depression usually receive psychotherapy first. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to help patients deal with stress positively. Most patients with moderate to severe depression need medication supplemented with psychotherapy to relieve depressive symptoms. Antidepressants include serotonin and norepinephrine recovery inhibitors (SNRI) and selective serotonin recovery inhibitors (SSRI), the principle of which is to improve depression by regulating the transmission of substances in the brain. Even for postpartum breastfeeding mothers, there are currently some drugs whose ingredients enter breast milk at a low level. In the end, Zhao Peiyu sent a message to patients that suffering from depression is not terrible, and they should not hide their illness from the doctor, so as to avoid the symptoms from snowballing and getting worse; the doctor will weigh the pros and cons of treatment with the patient according to the condition, so as to arrange an appropriate treatment plan.

Originally published on AM730

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