Depression during pregnancy or antepartum depression is also a mood disorder. Mood disorders refer to biological illnesses that involve changes in the brain. During pregnancy, there are several hormonal changes that normally affect brain chemicals. When these hormonal changes are combined with stressful situations during pregnancy, they can easily lead to the condition.
Signs and symptoms of this condition are persistent sadness, sleeping too much or too little and anxiety. Other symptoms include change in eating habits, loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy as well as difficulties in concentrating. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness as well as recurring thoughts of death and suicide are other signs.
Possible triggers of depression during pregnancy include marital problems, abuse or trauma and stressful events. Other probable causes are previous pregnancy loss, complications in pregnancy as well as family or personal history of the condition. When you feel like you are struggling with the condition, it is important for you to seek help. Treatment can involve the use of medications and psychotherapy. There are also support groups that can help you to overcome the situation.
This condition cannot only interfere with your ability to take care of yourself but also with your ability to bond with your growing baby. The stresses of pregnancy cannot only lead to this disorder but can also make it to recur. In other cases, stress can make the condition to worsen. Preparation for a new baby is a lot of hard work but you should always try to resist the urge to get everything done. A midst all this, you have to keep in mind that your health comes first. Go for lighter chores that help you relax.