Depression, also known as depressive disorder, is characterized by significant and persistent low mood as the main clinical feature and is the main type of mood disorder. Each episode of the disorder lasts at least 2 weeks or even several years in long cases, and most cases have a tendency to have recurrent episodes.
I. The dangers of depression during pregnancy
Depression during pregnancy has an impact on both the fetus and the pregnant woman, and its hazards are as follows.
1, the impact on the fetus: depression in pregnancy will increase the possibility of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, intrauterine fetal dysplasia and low birth weight.
2, the impact on pregnant women: pregnancy depression, if not treated in time, can lead to postpartum depression, and even suicidal tendencies.
Second, how to determine if a pregnant woman has depression
Whether a pregnant woman has depression is generally determined by medical history, symptomatology and clinical examination. If there is a history of depression before pregnancy, or a family history of depression, they are more likely to suffer from depression during pregnancy. Secondly, if a pregnant woman keeps wanting to eat or has no appetite, or has mood changes such as easy anxiety, extreme irritability, constant depression, or the desire to cry, or is easily fatigued, drowsy or has sleep disorders, or has mental changes such as inability to concentrate, inattentiveness, or suicidal tendencies; when the above symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, the possibility of pregnancy depression should be highly suspected, and generally relevant tests can assist in the diagnosis . Its examination includes.
1.Detailed interview: interview and assessment from mood, thinking, behavior and will, including the time when personality and behavior started to change, etc. to assess the presence of depression.
2.Psychological test: psychological assessment, symptom assessment, mood assessment can be conducted by doctors, including depression self-rating scale, Hamilton depression scale, etc., which can visually determine depression.
Third, the treatment of depression during pregnancy
Once it is determined that there is depression during pregnancy, the following treatments can be given.
1. diet therapy: a balanced diet, ensuring the intake of nutrients and eating more foods rich in vitamin B, such as coarse grains and fish.
2.Exercise therapy: increase gentle exercise appropriately according to personal preference to release their bad mood.
3, emotional regulation method: communicate more with others, can access information online, listen to music, timely adjustment of emotions.
4.Medication: If the above treatment is not effective, it is recommended to use antidepressant drugs that have no effect on the fetus under the guidance of doctors.
IV. Prevention of depression during pregnancy
In order to prevent depression during pregnancy, it is recommended that pregnant women alleviate it through the following ways.
1.Ensure daily intimate communication time with the father-to-be and get love from her husband.
2.Expressing their emotions to their relatives and friends and venting out their bad feelings in time.
3.Reading parenting books moderately and watching positive TV programs.
4.Exchange more pregnancy experiences with other mothers-to-be and share the joy of pregnancy.
5, avoid regular solitude, can be appropriate to go out and activities.
6.Family members should not ignore the needs of pregnant mothers to enhance their sense of security.