Prenatal Depression is common among expecting mothers and around 70 percent experience the symptoms. The stress of pregnancy results in depression even if the pregnancy is well planned. Any complication can lead to intensification of the symptoms. Hormonal changes during the period also lead to anxiety.
About Prenatal Depression – Risk Factors
Interestingly, a few risk factors increase the chances of a woman suffering from Prenatal Depression. A few of these include
• Family or Personal History: If you or a member of your family including parents or siblings has struggles with depression in the past, chances of your feeling the same during pregnancy are high.
• Problems with Pregnancy: Prenatal depression is also common in women who had a complication during the buildup to pregnancy. This could be difficulty in conceiving, fertility treatment, pregnancy loss and being pregnant with twins among others.
• Stressful Life: Financial worries, emotional worries and work life related worries along with physical or emotional abuse can lead to a stressful life. An expecting mother who has faced these in the past is likely to be more venerable against the depression.
• Difficulties related to Relationship: An unsupportive partner can be a big reason behind the prenatal depression and things are likely to get worse with the arrival of a young one.
About Prenatal Depression – Symptoms
Some of the symptoms related to depression type include
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Irritation to everything around
• Excessive crying
• Feeling bad and empty throughout the day
• Extreme fatigue
• Desire to eat continuously or not consuming anything at all
• Feeling of guilt, worthlessness and hopelessness
About Prenatal Depression – Prevention
The important point to understand here is that depression is a biochemical condition and complete prevention of the same is simply not possible. However, taking care of a few points can help in subsidizing the symptoms. These include
• Bonding with Partner: It is always better to strengthen the bond with your partner and get the emotional support you would need in the times to come. Spend some time together and if possible, go for a vacation.
• Discuss with Friends and Family: Discussing the fears related to pregnancy with close friends and family members is always helpful and eases the fear and worries.
• Manage Stress: Managing stress is important to ensure a health pregnancy. A number of things can help you out including exercise, plenty of good sleep and healthy eating among others. Practicing meditation is also helpful.
Herbal Supplements for Prenatal Depression
Herbal Supplements for Prenatal Depression helps in maintaining the hormonal balance to normal and offers a sound sleep and relaxed mind as well. The correct supplements also help in improving the concentration levels and are effective against the feelings of guilt and worthlessness as well. Right combination of natural herbs as well as supplements is necessary for the same.
There are some renowned Herbal Supplements for Prenatal Depression that are composed of natural herbs including St. John’s Wort, Chamomile Extract and Olive Leaf extracts that not only boosts the mood but have a number of other positive effects on body as well. In addition, they also have a number of natural supplements including Vitamin B and 5HTP among others that help in the production of neurotransmitters, which are vital for maintaining the hormonal balance and thus effective against depression.