5 Effective ways to deal with stress and depression during pregnancy & bull; hello healthy

Stress and depression can affect anyone and at any time indiscriminately. Pregnant women who are usually full of happiness waiting for the birth of their baby can also be attacked by stress and depression. Be careful if you experience stress and depression while pregnant. The reason is, this condition is dangerous for pregnancy, both for yourself and the baby you are carrying. The handling given cannot be arbitrary. Please pay attention to the important information below if you or someone close to you experienced depression during pregnancy.

Recognizing the symptoms of stress and depression

In many cases, pregnant women are not aware that they are stressed or depressed. When pregnant, women do experience various changes. One of them is mood. Changes in psychological conditions are influenced by hormones in the body of pregnant women. However, stress and depression are not normal psychological changes during pregnancy. Look for the following symptoms.

Difficulty sleeping or just want to sleep on
The mood is always bad and sad
Feeling worthless, unappreciated, and hopeless
Pessimistic thoughts about pregnancy and the baby being conceived
Powerless and lackluster
Losing interest in things that were previously enjoyed
Withdrawing from the social environment
Appetite is significantly lost or increased
Thought of committing suicide

The dangers of ignoring stress and depression during pregnancy

Excessive stress in pregnant women can lead to depression. If not treated promptly, depression during pregnancy can adversely affect pregnancy and the fetus. This is the risk that might arise if depression during pregnancy is ignored.

Babies are born with low body weight
Babies are born prematurely
Preeclampsia in mothers
Birth by Caesarean section
Impaired fetal development because the mother does not maintain her health during pregnancy
Postpartum depression
The bond with the baby is not strong enough

ALSO READ: Sleep Quality for Pregnant Women Affects Fetal Growth

Dealing with stress and depression during pregnancy

Stress and depression are pregnancy complications that must be resolved quickly. The following are safe steps that pregnant women can take to deal with stress and depression during pregnancy.

1. Psychotherapy

Hormonal changes can make some women more susceptible to stress and depression during pregnancy. As a result, coping with the condition is more difficult than for women who are not pregnant. Then you need to seek the help of a professional therapist to relieve stress and depression.

Usually a psychologist or psychiatrist will recommend psychological therapy in the form of cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of psychotherapy where you will meet one-on-one with a therapist. In this therapy, you and your therapist will work together to change your thought patterns and behavior to be more positive and healthier. The sooner you see a therapist, the more pronounced the results will be.

ALSO READ: Can CBT Psychological Therapy Really Solve Our Life's Problems?

2. Take antidepressant drugs

Do not take anti-depressants without a prescription from a doctor or psychiatrist. If a psychiatrist prescribes an antidepressant, discuss it with your obstetrician first. Certain types of antidepressants are less risky for pregnant women. Medicines with relatively few side effects and are safe for women contain, among others, selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertralin (eg Zoloft brand), citalopram, and fluoxetine (eg Prozac brand). What you need to watch out for is paroxetine (for example the Paxil brand). This antidepressant drug is not recommended for pregnant women.

Antidepressant drugs are only an option, not mandatory. If psychological therapy and other methods can still help, you don't need to take antidepressant drugs. Anti-depressant drugs are only given to pregnant women who are experiencing major depression or depression that is not treated by psychological therapy. The side effects of taking antidepressant drugs during pregnancy that may arise in babies are respiratory problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and the baby seems restless at birth.

ALSO READ: Pros and Cons of Taking Antidepressant Drugs

The likelihood of side effects of antidepressant drugs in infants is very low. Rather than the risk of untreated depression, it is better for pregnant women to follow the advice of psychiatrists and obstetricians. Pregnant women suffering from major depression, dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality), or anxiety disorders should not stop taking medication unless instructed by a psychiatrist and obstetrician.

3. Exercise

Getting regular exercise can help you get through tough times with a fresher mind. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins and brain neurotransmitters that will make you feel more relaxed and positive. Try to exercise in an open, sunny area. This can help you feel calmer and happier. Try sports such as yoga, gymnastics, swimming, or walking.

ALSO READ: Pregnant Women Who Are Diligent in Exercising Give Birth to Smart Babies

4. Acupuncture

A recent study conducted by Stanford School of Medicine concluded that acupuncture therapy can relieve symptoms of depression in pregnant women. In this traditional therapy, pregnant women will be pricked with special needles at points that are effective in relieving depression and improving mood. No need to fear pain because most people who undergo acupuncture only feel a warm sensation or a mild tingling sensation. Some people don't even feel anything. Acupuncture has also been proven safe for pregnant women.

5. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids

Pregnant women who are under stress or depression should increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are mostly found in fish and nuts. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in fish oil, soybeans, cooked salmon, spinach, and walnuts. Regularly eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help you relieve mild to moderate depression.