Treatment of depression in pregnant women

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Extract from the article: During pregnancy, there may be times when the mother-to-be displays depressive symptoms. What can be done to help a pregnant woman suffering from depression? How can depression during pregnancy be treated?

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During pregnancy, there may be times when the mother-to-be displays depressive symptoms. What can be done to help a pregnant woman suffering from depression? How can depression during pregnancy be treated?

When faced with prenatal depression, there are solutions that generally involve talking to someone you trust about your unhappiness during your pregnancy. « A number of actions can help reduce depressive symptoms, such as a good diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, seeking social support and stress reduction measures », explained Grâce Koumayi, Midwife and head of the NGO "Faire autrement".

Medical treatment

The first step is to follow the advice of the treating staff, in particular gynecologists and midwives. These are the people directly involved in the woman's prenatal process. In some cases, medication can be prescribed when depressive symptoms are severe. Indeed, depression during pregnancy is a risk factor for post-partum depression. That's why it's important to discuss the matter with your husband or the health-care personnel in charge of prenatal consultations. They are in a better position to help or guide the mother-to-be and her baby to make the best choice.  « Treatment can be combined with the various intervention strategies used to treat mild to moderate depression », says the midwife.

In addition to medical treatment, the pregnant woman must also make certain efforts, the first step of which is to discuss her state of health with someone she trusts. This can be the midwife, for example, but also the doctor or psychologist at the maternity hospital where she is being cared for. This will enable a proper diagnosis to be made, in particular of the factors that are making the pregnant woman sad, and will encourage treatment.

Support for those around you

It is important to intervene as early as possible in pregnancy to limit the impact on mothers and their families. A depressed mother may then interact less with her baby, which could harm the attachment bond. « However, if a pregnant woman shows signs of depression that are constant or persistent beyond the two-week period, it is important for those around her to act sooner », adds Grâce Koumayi.

Pregnant women need the support of their families and husbands. « As soon as the pregnancy occurs, the pregnant woman should feel accompanied by her husband, first and foremost, and her family and friends.The husband has an important role to play. When you're the author of your pregnancy, there are complications you can avoid, including depression », she says. If you think you're suffering from depression during pregnancy, it's important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible to get help. With the right treatment and the support of those around you, depression during pregnancy can be successfully treated.

Elom AKAKPO