The 2012 Spring Festival has gradually left us, but the 2012 Spring Festival Gala has brought us a lot of laughter, especially the skit “Today’s Happiness”, which is still funny to watch today. Today’s Happiness” skit tells a story of crossing over, in order to make his wife, who is suffering from prenatal depression, treat him differently, he gets his good friend to pretend to be his son from the future. The wife in the skit becomes in a bad mood because of her pregnancy and often loses her temper, argues with people, and even the barking of the dog on the roadside makes her upset and lose her temper. This is a typical manifestation of prenatal depression.
According to statistics, most women have experienced mild depression during pregnancy, while about one in ten pregnant women have experienced the symptoms of typical depression. The severe ones can greatly affect the life of pregnant women and even bring negative consequences to childbirth. So what exactly are the specific manifestations of depression? How to overcome it?
I. Symptoms of prenatal depression
Many people think that it is normal for pregnant women to feel lonely, stressed and unhappy from time to time, and it is not necessary to worry too much about some mood swings. This is a good point of view in itself, but the question is: is it that simple? If the pregnant woman only occasionally has these feelings and can quickly adjust to them, there is no big problem; if these feelings and symptoms appear very often or last for a long time and the pregnant woman has difficulty overcoming them, you should consider whether it is a problem of depression. Depression during pregnancy usually has the following manifestations, if you meet one or even several of them, you should pay more attention to.
1, anxiety; manifested as persistent or episodes of inexplicable fear, dread, tension and uneasiness. There is a sense of anticipatory danger, a feeling that some kind of disaster is coming, or even a feeling of death (near-death feeling). The patient fears that he or she will lose control and may suddenly faint or “go crazy”. 70% of patients also have symptoms of depression and lack of confidence and enjoyment in their present and future lives. The patient is sometimes agitated, out of balance, often angry for no reason, argues with family members, dislikes and is dissatisfied with everything, thinks simply and vaguely, and is preoccupied with his or her state of health all day. This is accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms: palpitations, panic attacks, chest tightness, shortness of breath, discomfort or pain in the precordial area, increased heart rate and respiratory rate, general feeling of fatigue, reduced ability to live and work, simple daily household tasks become difficult and impossible to perform, so that the symptoms in turn increase the patient’s worry and anxiety. There are also sleep disorders such as insomnia, early awakening and nightmares, which are quite severe and persistent. In addition, there may be symptoms of digestive disorders. The vast majority of patients also have hand tremors, finger tremors or numbness, paroxysmal flushing or coldness, irregular menstruation, menopause, loss of libido, frequent urination, dizziness, vertigo, fear, and syncopal episodes. Some patients are fidgety, restless, rubbing their hands and feet, pacing around, increasing small movements, inability to concentrate, and they do not know why they are so frightened as the main manifestation.
2.Insomnia;
3, nervousness, especially easy to get angry;
4.Lack of energy in the limbs, the feeling of tiredness is particularly strong, or lasts for a long time;
5, constantly want to eat, or simply have no appetite;
6.No sense of joy, no interest in anything;
7.The feeling of depression is very strong, or lasts for a long time.
Second, the cause of prenatal depression
Generally speaking, there are two main factors that cause depression in pregnant women: physical changes and mental stress. During pregnancy, hormone secretion increases sharply, impacting the whole body including the nervous system, making you not only easily feel fatigued and prone to mood swings, but also possibly leading to depression. Mentally, some pregnant women have instinctive fear and anxiety about pregnancy and childbirth, or they feel worried and pessimistic about the future due to the stress of life, etc. These mental problems of pregnant women are the direct causes of depression. In addition, there are other factors that may lead to depression.
1. Relationship problems with relatives. Family conflicts, especially with the husband, such as emotional crisis, possible divorce, etc.
2, family or personal history of depression. If there is a family history of depression, or if the pregnant woman herself has experienced depression, then it is likely to appear during pregnancy.
3.Major life changes. For example, you or your husband lose your job, get a serious illness, a loved one has a major accident or even dies, etc.
4.Severe pregnancy reactions, such as strong nausea, vomiting, etc.
5, the influence and interference of other diseases of the pregnant woman herself, such as kidney disease, etc.
6.Long-term infertility, fertility difficulties, or previous failed childbirth experience, etc. Especially those pregnant women who have had passive abortions due to their own bodies, careless actions or other reasons, most of them will be extra worried about the safety of this pregnancy, and some of them will even be paranoid.
7.Have had an abusive experience. The pain of pregnancy may evoke memories of past suffering and abuse, making the mood more depressed.
Third, the adjustment of prenatal depression
The instinctive approach of many pregnant women to such problems as prenatal depression is to try to hide it from outsiders, mainly because they feel embarrassed and afraid of shame. However, this does not help at all, but only adds to the problem. A scientific, correct and reliable approach must be taken. The following are some suggestions for overcoming depression.
Self-confidence and mental relaxation. Be confident in yourself that you are physically normal, fully capable of having children, and that you can do so successfully and smoothly. The family can afford it financially, and in the future, as long as you and your husband work hard, life will be good; the children will grow up healthy and happy, and the family will be full of happiness, harmony and joy.
Make yourself free. Don’t keep thinking that you should prepare this and that for your child. You should know: “There is a way to the mountain, and the boat will be straight at the bridge”. It’s not too late to make arrangements when the time comes; besides, your husband will be ready too. The only thing you have to do is to rest, relax, and take good care of your body. Read a novel, listen to music, go for a walk in the park, or simply have a good night’s sleep, will make the spirit of peace.
Talk out your worries. Talk to your friends and relatives about your worries, including your worries and fears about pregnancy, childbirth and later bringing up children, instead of keeping them inside. Know that since they are your family and friends, they will sincerely help you and will not laugh at you. Especially keep communication with your husband and let him know what’s on your mind, otherwise how can he help you?
Go see a doctor. If none of the above methods can solve your troubles and the problem seems to be getting worse to the point that you are in an untenable situation and even sometimes suicidal, you will have to see a gynecologist or psychiatrist. These doctors are generally very experienced and will show you practical ways to help and give you a sense of increased confidence and security. Going to the doctor for depression is not something to be ashamed of, it shows that you are a sensible and responsible mother. You are making a sound and correct choice for the safety of both you and your baby and for the happiness of your family.
You should try not to take medication during pregnancy, but if a pregnant woman suffers from depression can it still be treated? The latest research data show that the prevalence of depression in women of reproductive age between 25 and 44 years old is 10-20%, and that the risk of depression is equal for women who are pregnant and those who are not; on the other hand, women with a previous history of depression have an increased risk of developing depression after pregnancy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. More attention has been paid to the effects of antidepressants on the fetus, but the dangers of untreated depressive disorders in pregnant women have been overlooked. Studies have now found an association between depressive symptoms in pregnant women and preterm delivery and low birth weight. Pregnant women with depressive disorders often have decreased appetite, weight loss, and insomnia, all of which can affect the fetus. Moreover, women who are already using antidepressants are at great risk when they stop taking them before or after pregnancy: 70% of women with recurrent depressive episodes who stop taking them in preparation for pregnancy will relapse during the first three months of pregnancy, and pregnant women with severe depressive disorder will also engage in self-injurious suicidal behavior. Therefore, it is also important to weigh the pros and cons. If a pregnant woman has severe depressive symptoms, it is not advisable to withdraw medication lightly, and it is important to have a doctor-patient communication before deciding whether to receive medication and how to treat it.