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Did you suffer from depression during pregnancy?
Battling depression takes on a whole new meaning when you're pregnant, because there's an inherent Catch 22: Do you take medications, which could be hazardous for the baby? Or do you refuse drugs, which also has risks?
Studies suggest that both antidepressants and major depression are associated with poor outcomes for newborns, a story by MyHealthNewsDaily reports, and researchers are trying to figure out which approach - treating or not treating - is actually best for the unborn child.
Regardless of the choice, health experts agree that women need to seek medical advice.
Kathryn Hirst, director of the Maternal Mental Health Clinic at the University of California, San Diego, told MHND:
I think there's a myth out there that the medications are inherently bad during pregnancy, when the reality is that depression and anxiety can be bad and cause significant problems in pregnancy and postpartum. And so for the mom, she really needs to look at what's worse, being depressed or anxious, and how that impacts me and potentially the baby, or taking the medication. It really is a discussion a woman needs to have with an informed doctor or health care provider.
Did you suffer from depression during pregnancy? Share your experiences.
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Leave a Comment:
Kathryn thank you for starting this blog discussion. Just yesterday, a group of physicians, concerned citizens, associations and legislators met in Sacramento CA, to address the well being of new mothers and pregnant women.
Mother's are the cornerstone of our families, and health families lead to thriving and supported children and healthy communities. We must take care of our moms.
As you know, up to 80% of women will experience the baby blues, which fade two weeks post delivery and doesn't require treatment. But 10-20% of women will experience depression, which can range from light, moderate to severe cases, some which result in a mother taking her own life. In rare cases, a mother can experience psychosis, which can lead to seeing and hearing things that aren't really there, which if untreated may lead to a mother harming herself or her children.
We all must help educate, the medical community and women and families on maternal mental health, so that women can understand their risk, realize this is very common and not feel shame, and to ensure that health care professionals are here to help when a mom does cry out for help.
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, let's all help raise awareness.