Pregnancy is a wonderful time to think and talk about as most people discuss positive things like how it feels when a baby moves inside the belly and the baby's first kick gives a wonderful feeling to a mother, no matter it's the first pregnancy or second, giving birth to a baby is an overwhelming experience for a woman. But during pregnancy women have to face a lot of mental issues and some of them suffer post-pregnancy depression due to different reasons, which can affect the baby's health as well. Therefore, there are certain precautions that must be taken during pregnancy and after delivery.
7 main causes of depression during pregnancy
Prenatal is a unique phase in which you have to go through a lot of challenges and mood swings due to enormous hormonal changes, increased weight, dislocation of muscles, and a shift in their center of gravity. It is not only a physical but also a mental challenge to go through that period which can be caused by different reasons. Some people argue that changes occur in that 9 months of maternal period, but they are unaware that postpartum can be hard for some females as they often experience mental strain, which can lead to depression.
Below are 7 problems related to mental health during prenatal and postpartum periods.
- Extreme exhaustion: In the starting pregnancy some women feel exhausted due to severe fatigue which is the first symptom of pregnancy. Stress and anxiety are also responsible for this condition. It is common for women postpartum to become tired because they are not getting enough sleep and rest, leading to mental health problems.
- Depression: Women begin to overthink several things like their body weight, hair fall, skin problems and mood swings, baby’s health as they start searching on the internet for information about problems they may encounter during labor and afterward. First pregnancy can be more depressing as one does not have enough knowledge of taking care of the newborn and herself. Some pregnant women may suffer from depression due to a genetic disorder.
- Complicated pregnancy: During pregnancy, there can be some unexpected problems like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, labor before the expected time, and other issues, which require a woman to be cautious about her diet, exercise, and various factors. The result is anxiety and mental issues that can impact a baby's health.
- Insomnia: The body undergoes many changes during the prenatal phase as internal organ positions shift over time from their original ones and the uterus expands which is a cause of frequent urination. Leg cramps are common among pregnant women due to their weight gain. Even after pregnancy, it takes time for the body to heal its internal organs. As a result of all of these factors, sound sleep is disturbed, tension is increased, and the mind starts to overthink at night, which can severely affect the mood and eventually lead to depression.
- Personal relationships: Pregnancy not only changes the organs or size of the body but also feelings due to hormonal changes. Women start to feel differently about their loved ones and get over possessive sometimes. It creates issues in relationships and negatively impacts mental health.
- History of miscarriage: When a woman has had a history of miscarriage, so she has to be more cautious at the prenatal and postpartum phase which encourages mental health concerns. You should take care of your wellness and eating habits.
- Irritability: First-time mothers tend to get irritable because everyone gives them conflicting advice, which can be confusing. They have to face a lot of changes in their body and behavior. Even after delivery women get annoyed by lack of sleep and taking care of the child alone which is a huge task.
Precautions to be taken in the Prenatal and postpartum stage
- Pamper yourself: Prenatal and postpartum both stages require proper relaxation for the body and mind. You should get sound sleep on time and enjoy this special time by pampering yourself through various massage therapy. This feeling gives peace to mind and positivity which helps to improve the baby’s growth and health.
- Healthy food: Healthy diet and proper fluid is the basic requirement for you and your baby. At this stage, you need vitamins and minerals to boost your efficiency and provide full energy. The right nutrition will keep you healthy throughout your pregnancy, control blood pressure, prevent leg swelling, build your baby's body, and help you control your weight. Eating well in pregnancy is a medication to prevent mental pressure because you crave sometimes to eat different food during pregnancy.
- Meditation: Meditation and yoga will help you to control your mood and emotions and relax your body. Because, at that time you feel irritated due to body ache, increased urination, fatigue, bloating, lack of sleep, and so many pressures. Yoga also improves your stamina, helps you in easier labor and delivery, and reduces the chances of C-sections. Doctors always suggest doing regular yoga and meditation at home or joining some classes provided by professional trainers.
- Communication: Prenatal is a stage when different thoughts come to mind and you can not stop them so you should always communicate to your loved ones and try to join some groups of new moms which reduces your tension and give you proper direction for the baby and yourself. Try to connect to the people who can relate your feelings and emotions at that stage and talk positive things to build confidence.
- Consult professionals: You should occasionally discuss your feelings and the condition of your body with a professional. At that point, he/she will advise you on the appropriate course of action. And If you have some family/relationship issues you should ask help from professionals for guidance and reduce the anxiety. Try to avoid mental pressure and stress that can be harmful to your baby.