Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/869597
Does Depression Pose Increased Risks to My Baby? Untreated, severe depression can increase some risks to you and your baby – that's why it's so important to promptly get the support and the treatments that work best for you. Even moderate depression can impair your quality of life. Problems can arise because when we're depressed, we don't tend to take op mal care of ourselves. If this happens during pregnancy women are more likely to: Skimp on nutri on Not gain enough weight Have sleep problems Skip prenatal visits Use harmful substances (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, or drugs) This can increase the risk of premature birth, having a low birth weight baby, medical problems in the pregnancy, and problems at birth. Increasing numbers of studies are also showing that depression, stress, and anxiety in the pregnant mom influences and alters the expression of the baby's genes, increasing the child's life me risk of mental health problems. Prenatal depression also increases the risk of postpartum depression, which, if untreated, can lead to developmental, behavioral, and mental health problems in the baby, as well as problems that arise from neglect if mom is unable to fully care for the baby. On top of it, all of this can also have an impact on your self- esteem and confidence as a new mom, and this can also nega vely affect your paren ng. But not to worry – there is help! Should I Take an Antidepressant? Whether to take an an depressant is a complex and o en tough decision. The evidence on the safety of these medica ons in pregnancy does show some risk of poten al birth defects, as well as withdrawal symptoms in baby a er birth. You have to weigh the poten al benefit to you and the baby against medical risks of taking an depressants in pregnancy. I address this thoroughly in Depression in Pregnancy: Should You Take Medica ons? For mild to moderate depression, natural approaches can be tried first, and are o en all that is needed, but women should also consider being under the care of a midwife or obstetrician and a mental health provider simultaneously. Women with moderate to severe depression, in addi on to trying these 10 ps, should be under the care of a physician who specializes in prenatal depression. Medica ons are an op on that should be considered in severe cases, or in moderate-severe cases where your health is at risk because you aren't able to take care of yourself; but in moderate-severe cases one can o en try natural treatment for a few weeks first. "The new medicine for women" as I call my whole women approach to Func onal Medicine, includes the best combina on of available strategies for individual women, used with wisdom and common sense. Nutrition/Diet Life Stressors Social Support History/ Coping Skills Fatigue Exercise Nature Deficit Rhythms Digestive Health Depression in Pregnancy Inflammation Environmental Toxins Genetics Medical Issues Page 52 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com