How Pregnancy Can Affect Mental Health

Pregnancy is the period in a woman’s life when a baby is growing inside the womb. It is a period known to significantly affect mental health, considering the many hormonal changes that moms-to-be experience.

This period is usually nine months and is divided into three sections. The early signs of pregnancy usually vary, with the most common symptoms being fatigue, sensitivity to smells, sore breasts, low temperature and sensitivity to certain foods. Some women experience morning sickness and mood swings, while others experience no signs at all.

Factors which Influence Pregnancy

Several factors are considered to determine how risky a pregnancy is to the lives of the mother and baby. These factors include age and health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Expectant mothers are always advised to secure their physical health as well as their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Pregnant women experience a wide range of emotions, from bouts of anxiety and mood swings to excitement and joy. The psychological and emotional changes during this period help keep both mother and baby healthy and safe. Pregnant women are advised to be alert for emotional instability like persistent sadness, feelings of depression and anxiety or even insomnia or sleep deprivation.

Several factors can affect pregnant women mentally apart from anxiety, depression and other forms of emotional distress. Expecting mothers also experience internal and social pressures that they don’t need. They are bombarded with information on changing their lifestyles, like which foods to consume, how to give birth, how to cope with daily stressors, etc. Most women have to deal with feedback concerning how they look and what they are doing, which sometimes leads to more stress.

Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Most women experience mood swings when pregnant. They become moody around the first trimester and again in the third trimester, which is a result of the drastic changes in hormone levels. Mood swings tend to end after delivery or when hormone levels return to normal. There are three main factors that affect the mood in pregnant women: hormonal imbalances, fatigue and stress.

Causes of Mood Swings

Depression During Pregnancy

Although being pregnant is supposed to bring happiness to a woman’s life, several factors trigger a myriad of emotions during this period. Pregnant women tend to experience different emotions, including confusion, excitement, fear and even depression or stress. Prenatal depression is a disorder that a significant number of women experience—estimated to be about 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women. While postpartum depression is the most addressed, many people ignore prenatal depression because it is caused by temporary hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, it is a serious condition that can be dangerous to both the baby and mother if not addressed. The first step toward treating prenatal depression is seeking help from a qualified physician. They are better positioned to recommend treatments such as joining a support group, light therapy or medication.

Causes of Depression

There are many factors that can trigger depression during pregnancy. The most common include the following:

• Relationship problems
• Infertility treatments
• History of trauma
• History of abuse
• Prior pregnancy loss
• Personal or family history of depression
• Stressful life events

Overview

It is essential to gain more knowledge and understand the kinds of pressure pregnant women go through to avoid being one of the stressors. People who are around pregnant women play a significant role in the expecting mothers’ mental wellness as research has found that there is a significant connection between depression and stress during pregnancy. They should be conscious of the pressure they could put on women through their words or actions.