Pregnancy Depression In The Fetus: Chances Are High

If you, as the mother-to-be, are concerned about this question, then chances are that you will not be affected by depression. The more aware and concerned a person is the better are the chances of prevention. However, the fact is that this is a fairly common occurrence. Pregnancy, being physically and mentally stressful, has tremendous potential of triggering off mild to severe bouts of depression, that last for varying times. The symptoms are feeling low and wanting to cry most of the time, sleepiness or lack of sleep, undue anxiety and worrying accompanied with irritability and a general feeling of not feeling good about anything. For no apparent reason you would shout and scream and feel that others are not caring and understanding enough. No relation seems worthwhile and self worth is at an all time low.

The causes of pregnancy associated depression could vary from simple anxiety prone personality of the lady to stressful circumstances such as stressed relationships or financial crisis at the time of pregnancy. Age and the number of children of the lady in question could be other factors explaining this phenomenon. The younger the woman, the greater are the chances of her suffering from depression during pregnancy. If it is the first child, the woman may be slightly more than worried which may border depression. If the number of children that she already has is more than what the couple wanted, this could another reason.

Moreover, the type of pregnancy the woman is going through also has a bearing. Some women may have to try very hard, take medical tests, medications. The accompanying side effects including the heavy physical, mental and financial strain does take a toll in the form of depression, sometimes. For some, the physical symptoms of pregnancy are more stressful than what they can bear, hence the depression. Women also tend to worry about their ability to return to normal life, including adequate baby care, postpartum care and thus end up becoming depressed.

The effect of such feelings is understandably bad for any person at any time and more so is for the mother to be and her unborn child. Logically speaking, a depressed woman is unable to take proper care of her health and such neglect would adversely affect the health of the fetus. Also, it is true and proven scientifically that the state of mind deeply affects the physical state. A happy-go-lucky person seldom falls ill, and recovers fast, whereas a person in a negative state of mind not only recovers slowly but also is prone to further diseases. And this, by default, gets transferred to the child genetically.

It is not just about physical health, which is no doubt very important, but also about mental and emotional wellness that go a long way in contributing to a person's quality of life. So, if you, as a mother, care to give your child a life that is fulfilling, start right now, prepare for a depression-free pregnancy by sorting out the troublesome matters yourself or with the help of family and friends or even professional counseling, if need be. Anti depressant medications should be the last resort, that too under the guidance of a well qualified professional.