Pregnancy’s mental health roller coaster: Identifying and treating common problems
During your pregnancy, take these proactive steps to ensure your health and mental well-being of your unborn child.
In addition to being a wonderful and exciting time, pregnancy can also cause significant changes in a woman’s mental health. For this reason, it’s critical to recognize that mental health issues can develop or worsen during pregnancy and to take appropriate action to address them in order to protect the mother’s and the unborn child’s wellbeing.
Pregnant women may have typical mental health concerns, according to Dr. Prasad Kulat, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Ankura Hospital in Pune.
1. According to Dr. Prasad Kulat, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Ankura Hospital in Pune, pregnant women may experience common mental health issues.
2. Anxiety: During pregnancy, anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder can also appear or worsen. Excessive concern, restlessness, impatience, and bodily signs like sweating or a fast heartbeat are some of the symptoms.
3. Depression that specifically manifests itself during pregnancy is referred to as antenatal or prenatal depression. Prenatal depression can affect both the mother and the unborn child, so it’s critical to identify and treat it.
4. A class of diseases known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can arise during pregnancy or in the postpartum phase. Postpartum blues, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and postpartum psychosis are among the disorders classified as PMADs.
5. Perinatal PTSD: If a woman has a painful delivery experience, she may exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder associated with childbirth.
Dr. Prasad Kulat suggested some strategies for preserving mental health throughout pregnancy, asserting that expectant mothers should prioritize their mental health and seek help if necessary.
1. Seek prenatal care: Prenatal checkups on a regular basis can assist in monitoring the physical and mental well-being of expectant mothers.
2. Stay in touch: Keep lines of communication open about your feelings and worries with your partner, family, friends, and medical professionals.
3. Take care of yourself by getting adequate sleep, exercising frequently (if your doctor approves), maintaining a nutritious diet, and partaking in relaxing hobbies.
4. Think about counseling: Counseling, such as interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy, can assist in managing mental health concerns during pregnancy.
5. Medication: To treat serious mental health disorders during pregnancy, medication may be required in certain situations. It’s critical to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking medication while pregnant with a healthcare professional.
Recall that getting treatment for mental health problems while expecting does not indicate weakness. It’s a preemptive measure to safeguard your health and your child’s health.
