Pregnancy Depression --The Unspoken Shadow10-20% of women experience pregnancy depression. It is not much talked about because it assumed that a woman is supposed to be glowing and elated over bringing new life into the world. And while you may very much want your baby, many other factors can cast a shadow over your pregnancy. You do tend to be more emotional during pregnancy due to the high levels of hormones coursing through your body. But, it is not normal to be extremely sad and hopeless for weeks on end. Depression during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. Severe anxiety may harm the baby as it constricts placental blood flow to the baby and causes high cortisone levels. This is not to scare you or cause you unnecessary guilt. Just know that you are not the only one that pregnancy depression affects--so don't just suffer through it.
Distinguishing The Difference Between Normal Pregnancy Emotions And Pregnancy DepressionNormal PregnancyMood up and down Fatigue is relieved by rest Appetite increases Feel pleasure and joy Can fall asleep easily and go back to sleep easily when awakened Self esteem is unchanged Pregnancy DepressionLow self esteemNot refreshed by sleep Lack of pleasure in things you usually enjoy including sex Cannot fall asleep easily and difficulty going back to sleep when awakened Appetite may decrease Persistent low mood and hopelessness Irritability Thoughts of wanting to die, thoughts of suicide, or of wanting to harm yourself Inability to function at daily tasks If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms for more than a week or so--DON'T WAIT--contact a qualified therapist and get treatment ASAP--for yourself and your baby. Your therapist and psychiatrist may recommend medication. Know that there are some very safe anti-depressants out there that you can take if it is absolutely necessary. However, please weigh very carefully the risks and benefits of taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You can call Postpartum Support International (800) 944-4PPD, for help in locating a therapist who is knowledgeable about perinatal depression (depression that occurs during pregnancy or after birth). My Experience With Pregnancy DepressionDuring the first trimester, I was nauseated almost every day all day. I also was extremely fatigued. These things are very common to most pregnancies during the first trimester.My mood wasn't exactly joyful because I didn't feel well most of the time. I figured that my low mood was simply due to the physical changes I was experiencing. I thought after the first trimester that I would feel better. As I got several weeks into the second trimester, and I still didn't feel any more positive--in fact I was feeling worse--I began to suspect that it was depression. This depression was possibly triggered, and certainly not helped by the fact that I had a pregnancy loss just prior to getting pregnant with this baby. The whole first trimester and a good chunk of the second trimester, I was wondering if this pregnancy was going to last. I couldn't bear the thought of another loss. I didn't allow myself to be happy about the coming baby until I was about 4 and a half months pregnant. I was very anxious. Mostly, I was worried about financial concerns and how I was going to take maternity leave without money coming in. I also already knew that I wanted to be with my baby and not leave her in someone else's care while I went to work. These worries consumed me. There were times when I felt so badly that I wailed and pulled at my hair (literally). I wished that I wasn't pregnant--even though I had wanted this baby for years. I said, "I'm so sorry" to my baby over and over. I worried that my baby would be affected by my horribly sad feelings and my low sense of self worth. I finally acknowledged that I was depressed and got in to see a therapist during the last trimester of my pregnancy. That, along with birthing meditation and hypnosis helped me to feel confident enough that I could take care of my baby and provide for her the nurturing that she needed. I got information from a local postpartum depression support group. It was validating to me to know that I was not alone. Check at your local hospital to see if they offer a PPD and pregnancy depression support group. Take Time To Nurture YourselfI didn't take the time that I needed during pregnancy to really nurture and take care of myself. I continued to work doing massage therapy WAY past the time I should have for my well being.I knew by the time I was about 32 weeks that I needed to stop or at least slow way down, but I continued to barrel on ahead (as fast as I could with my pregnant belly!) I was afraid that I would take leave too early and then not have as much precious time with my new baby. As it happened, I was planning to work one more week and baby decided to come a little "early". She arrived at 37 weeks and 6 days. I worked right up until the evening that my water broke. I remember carrying a huge load of massage sheets out to my car that night and thinking,"Why am I doing this at nine months pregnant?" Of course I had finally decided to pamper myself the next day with a massage and a pedicure. I cried when my water broke that night as I realized my baby was coming soon. I wasn't ready! It wasn't fair! I hadn't had time to enjoy this pregnancy yet. I was too busy working and trying to save money. So, ladies, please take it from me--it just gets busier after the baby comes... (or the second baby or the third...) Take the time to take care of yourself while you are pregnant. I am profoundly saddened that I did not. Enjoy your big round belly and goddess figure, get those massages and pedicures, make it so you can take some time off work, spend time nourishing your relationships, and NURTURE YOURSELF! Are you in Southwestern MI? Talk with me about getting massage! What To Do If You Are Experiencing Pregnancy DepressionTalk with someone--don't stay silent about your pain!Contact a qualified therapist and tailor a treatment plan that fits your needs. To locate a therapist in your area call Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4773 or visit their website, Postpartum Support International. Check out Alternative Depression Therapy for holistic treatments for depression. Nurture yourself. Eat well. Exercise. Attend a postpartum depression support group. Remember--if you are experiencing pregnancy depression: You WILL recover You are NOT alone It is NOT your fault You ARE a good mom You are doing the BEST you can To nurture yourself with massage therapy services in Holland, MI, let's connect... drop me a note. Return From Pregnancy Depression To Pregnancy Main Page
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