Understanding Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression

Depression is considered one of the most common and widespread psychological disorders. If left untreated, it can lead to psychological consequences and negative effects on the patient's health. In some cases, it can even lead to suicidal thoughts and actual suicide. This necessitates our focus and awareness in preventing the negative effects.

Depression is a distinct illness from transient emotional states and mood swings associated with ordinary life situations. Among the key accompanying symptoms of depression, especially during pregnancy and lasting for more than ten days, are:

• Feeling sadness, low mood, or crying for extended periods.
• Feeling irritated, easily agitated, and experiencing anger outbursts.
• Losing interest in others and in life in general, and inclining towards isolation.
• Loss of appetite or increased food intake (appetite disturbance).
• Various sleep disturbances, including insomnia, reduced sleep, or excessive sleep.
• Anxiety and diminished enthusiasm towards aspects of life in general.
• Tendency to rely on medications and sometimes substance abuse.
• Problems at work or in education.
• Intense conflicts within the family and difficulties in marital relationships in all their forms.

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Dr. Nasser El-Din Dorgham, a clinical psychologist, who is easily accessible for you to book an online session with him through Esaal website using this link:?

https://esaal.me/en/book-session/20000090?catId=14

states that depression has three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Usually, after being evaluated by a specialized psychiatrist, the treatment for depression requires both medication and psychotherapy sessions for moderate and mild levels. In some cases, we may rely solely on psychotherapy sessions without the need for medication, depending on the individual's condition.

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Depression generally affects women more than men, in various forms and types of depression in women, including pregnancy-related depression. Pregnancy-related depression refers to the type of depression that affects women during pregnancy, starting from the moment of confirming the pregnancy and continuing throughout later stages and before childbirth. Pregnancy-related depression not only affects the mental and physical health of the pregnant woman but also directly affects the psychological and physiological health of the fetus during the duration of pregnancy and childbirth.

Causes of pregnancy-related depression vary and are influenced by various factors, including:

• Is it the first pregnancy or a repeated pregnancy?
• Is there a previous history of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder?
• Is there a family history of pregnancy-related depression or other mental disorders?
• Hormonal disturbances and changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as changes in body shape.
• General weakness and deterioration of the pregnant woman's overall health.
• Unwanted pregnancy by the couple or one of them.
• The age of the pregnant woman.
• Exposure to psychological or physical harm or experiencing a traumatic event.
• Marital conflicts, life pressures, and financial difficulties that hinder proper healthcare.
• Lack of sufficient support from family, especially the spouse, during pregnancy.
• Substance abuse, misuse of medications, sedatives, smoking, or drug use.
• Previous miscarriage or previous experience of infertility and a long time spent in its treatment, leading to increased anxiety and excessive stress on the pregnant woman.
• Stressful work during pregnancy and addiction to social media.
• Anxiety and intense fear of not being able to handle the responsibilities of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
• Appetite and sleep disorders.
• Negative impact on sexual desire in some women.

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Ways to prevent depression during pregnancy:

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1.??? Familiarize yourself with the conditions and requirements of pregnancy before conceiving. It is recommended for both partners to participate in educational courses and programs about women's health and preparing for the pre and postnatal stages.

2.??? Stay informed by accessing scientific, psychological, and social knowledge sources related to pregnancy-related depression. This can greatly contribute to prevention.

3.??? Engage in open communication between partners about the pregnancy period and how to cope with it. This is important for maintaining the health of the mother, the fetus, the father, and the overall family unit.

4.??? Collaborate and share household responsibilities, as this significantly helps in preventing psychological stress for both partners.

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Treatment:

If a pregnant woman experiences depression, it is important to seek psychological counseling and therapy. It is beneficial for the spouse to accompany her during the treatment process to raise awareness about dealing with the symptoms of depression.

Close coordination between the psychiatrist and the obstetrician is crucial, especially in cases of medication treatment for pregnant women. Direct communication between the two doctors is preferred if possible, or through the involvement of the partners.

Individual and couples’ therapy sessions are essential complements to medication treatment. In some cases, psychological sessions alone may be sufficient, depending on the pregnant woman's condition. Group therapy sessions, with or without the participation of the spouse, are also recommended. It is preferable for group members to generally experience depression, and it is even better if they are pregnant women.

Additionally, home visits from social or psychological specialists can be highly beneficial for women who are unable to leave their homes due to their conditions and pregnancy circumstances. Currently, online programs and courses are available, which contribute to achieving the goal of promoting the mental health of the pregnant woman, her fetus, and her spouse.

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