Having a good mental health during pregnancy is essential. Whether it is before, after or during the pregnancy. Having mood swings is normal during pregnancy. Depression is also normal during and after pregnancy. Do not worry, it is treatable. You can consult with your doctor whenever you feel depressed or anxious.
Mental health issues during pregnancy
You might feel sad sometimes, for no reasons. Usually, these feelings stay for a few days only. You may also experience a mood disorder. This can extend for days, weeks and months. For some women may experience less symptoms while some can experience more. The level of intensity may also vary.
Symptoms of depression or falling mental health during pregnancy
- Loss of energy
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Negativity
- Restlessness
- Feeling of irritability
- Overeating
- Loss of appetite
- Aches and pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicidal attempts
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Hard to make decisions
- Feeling sad for long time
- Anxious
- “Empty” mood
Baby Blues
Most mothers experience mental instability after their delivery. This is the biggest mental health issue that women face.They tend to experience anxiety, mood swings, stress, and small periods of sadness. This usually happens for a short span. Around 80% of women experience this, which means that 4 out of 5 moms tend to have baby blues. There is no definite reason for having baby blues. Doctors suggest that it happens due to the extreme fluctuations in hormones.
Symptoms of Baby Blues
- Mood swings and irritation
- Feeling cranky and crying over small things.
- Anxious for the baby’s health and safety
- Insomnia
- Hard to make easy decisions
- Missing parts of life before pregnancy, the freedom to go anytime.
Postpartum Depression
This can really turn down your mental health. Most people confuse postpartum depression with baby blues. Both are different. Postpartum depression lasts longer and are more intense in nature compared to baby blues. You can suffer from extreme anxiety, stress, and mood swings. Medical care can be prescribe for intense postpartum depression.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
- Feel angry
- More cranky than usual
- Feel unattached to your baby
- Overly anxious
- Distancing yourself from your loved ones
- Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
Treating Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues
Mental health during oven years can be troublesome for some women. It might take time to adjust into your new role as a mother and settle to a new routine and lifestyle. Taking care during this phase is of utmost importance. Your mental health may differ from your friend or sister may have experienced. It is always advisable to visit your doctor for treating postpartum depression. There are few things that can help you get back to normal or find your new normal faster.
- Get adequate sleep
- Eat healthy, avoid junk food
- Bond with your partner
- Talk to someone who gets you
- Do something you love and enjoy
For more information on mental health during your Oven Years, do visit OvenYr.com. Book a Tele-appointment today to speak to the doctor.