Perinatal despondency is a typical condition with huge unfavorable maternal, fetal, neonatal, and youth results. The perinatal period is a fortunate chance to screen, analyze, and treat despondency. Improved acknowledgment of perinatal discouragement, especially among low-pay ladies, can prompt improved perinatal wellbeing results.  Perinatal depression is the term given to cover depression that occurs during pregnancy (it can be known as antenatal depression) or once the baby is born (normally referred to as postnatal depression or PND). Liz Hodgman, early years’ consultant and mother, explains that perinatal depression is common. PND normally develops within the first six weeks of giving birth but often is not obvious until the baby is about six months of age. This condition affects women from all ethnic groups. However, teenage mothers are particularly at risk. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and can include difficulty in sleeping, feeling unable to cope or feeling in a low mood.

 

This type of depression occurs during the pregnancy. The symptoms women have include guilt, chronic anxiety, crying, lack of energy, worrying over relationships and their partners leaving them, conflict with their own parents, isolation and fear of asking for help.

 

It is thought that there are three main causes of prenatal depression: physical, emotional or social.

 

The woman’s body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, Mothers-to-be can experience weight gain, swollen breasts, dizziness, nausea, lack of energy, aches and pains … the list goes on. The change in hormone levels (oestrogen and progesterone) increases the need to urinate, causing breasts to swell and morning sickness. However, once the levels are more settled they can create a sense of wellbeing and “blooming”. But not all women produce enough progesterone and this can cause depression.Emotionally, being pregnant, especially for the first time, involves a complete change of life. This can magnify problems in relationships with partners and even parents. Planning for parenthood can bring back memories of childhood which are not always happy.

If the woman has experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth in a previous pregnancy this can make her more anxious and fearful when next pregnant. This depression can be linked to loss and grief.Socially, prenatal depression has only recently been recognised, so many generations still have the attitude: “just get on with it”. Families have changed and no longer are there large families with many generations living together. This means that, often, new parents do not get the same support from their family.

Women have more pressure within the work environment and are now expected to juggle being a parent and continuing with their career. Other women may also be facing pregnancy alone and the daunting task of being a lone parent. Other women may be worried about the financial pressures having a child brings, with time off for maternity leave and the cost of all the equipment and resources needed. The majority of antenatal depression disappears once the baby is born. However, about one-third of mums will go on to have postnatal depression.

Last Updated on: Jul 04, 2024