Pregnancy Alone Not a Risk for Mental Health Problems

It has often been suggested that women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of mental health problems. It has also been suggested that pregnant women who have recently given birth are also at a higher risk for mental health disorders, which can indirectly or directly also harm their babies.

• However, research has proved otherwise. In fact, a study of pregnant women, as well as those who have recently given birth, shows them to be mentally much stronger and happier.

• Pregnant women had lower rates of alcohol intake than non-pregnant women.

• Pregnant women, except those who were suffering from major depression, had fewer and lesser mood disorders.

This proves that pregnancy alone is not a risk for mental health problems.

Categories of Women with Mental Health Problems

The research however revealed that those pregnant women, who were suffering from or were at risk for psychiatric disorders, had other factors which contributed to their vulnerability.

These were:

• Divorced or never married.

• Those aged between 18 and 25, and living alone or without a partner.

• Widowed.

• Separated.

• Those experiencing pregnancy or health complications

• Those with stressful lives.

• Unwanted or unplanned pregnancies.

Postpartum Depression

While a woman may have no mental disorder problems during pregnancy, she may suffer from post-partum blues after childbirth. These are also known as postpartum mood swings.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression

• Difficulty in concentrating.
• Difficulty in falling asleep.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feelings of depression alternating with feelings of happiness.
• Crying frequently.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious.
• Loss of motivation and energy.
• Not showing interest in the baby.

Who gets Post-partum Blues

Again, it has been found that certain categories of women are more vulnerable to post-partum blues:

• Those who have previously suffered from bouts of depression not related to pregnancy.
• Those who have had post-partum depression in previous pregnancies.
• Those who suffer from severe PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)
• Those who are in a stressful relationship or marriage.
• Those who have very few friends or family members to talk to.
• Those who have gone through stressful health problems such as a difficult delivery or severe illness, during or after pregnancy.

Postpartum Depression Causes

It has been usually attributed to a change in the levels of certain hormones during pregnancy or after childbirth. These hormones affect the chemical balance in the brain, and trigger the release of certain chemicals, which may cause the ‘blues’.

How long do Postpartum Blues Last

Post-partum blues usually begin a few days after childbirth. They may last from a fortnight to about 6 months.