Depression during pregnancy: Don't ignore it

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by boredom, loss of interest or pleasure, restless sleep or loss of appetite, fatigue, and poor concentration. Accordingly, depression during pregnancy will negatively affect the health of both mother and baby.

Depression during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the mother and unborn baby. Women with depression are often less interested in antenatal care, pay less attention, take care of themselves, and gain weight more slowly than women without depression.
Therefore, the development of the fetus also has many influences and indirectly affects the health of the newborn when born. Moreover, women with depression during pregnancy, if they fall into prolonged depression, not only gradually lose the ability to take care of themselves, but also can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Despite this, the reality is that most pregnant women don't realize or are unaware of the depressive symptoms they may be experiencing. Some women recognize the symptoms of depression but do not seek help. When symptoms worsen, they seek help from a variety of sources, and they seek the most support from their husbands, family and friends. Some other women discuss their depressive symptoms with their health care providers, mother and baby's health care providers. However, the majority of cases are not completely satisfied.
Many studies have shown that the factors affecting depression during pregnancy are anxiety, health or gender of the fetus, history of depression or mental disorders, history of medical conditions that can affect pregnancy. impact on pregnancy and childbirth, marital - family - social relationship, domestic violence, socio-cultural characteristics, outside support...

Depressive disorders have quite diverse manifestations, including feelings of boredom, depression, anxiety, insomnia, pessimism... even self-harm or suicidal ideation. However, to determine whether or not depression is evaluated through a variety of approaches, such as the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic and classification tool for mental disorders, the International Classification of Diseases, and the American Psychiatric Association. 10th of the World Health Organization.
Besides, at present, there are many depression screening and diagnostic scales that are being researched and perfected. Each scale has specific guidelines and provides a threshold for the appropriate classification of depression. In particular, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is being used very commonly, including 10 questions to help find out about the mood of women in the past 7 days. Total score for 10 questions from 0 to 30 points. A score of 10/30 or more is indicative of depression. The higher the score, the more severe the depression. Scale content:
Over the past 7 days
1.I can laugh and see the funny side of the world around
Still as much as before: 0 points Not quite as much as before: 1 point Definitely not much same as before: 2 points Not at all: 3 points 2.I look forward to everything with excitement
Still as much as I used to be: 0 points Less than I used to: 1 point Definitely less like I was: 2 points Not at all: 3 points 3.I blame myself unnecessarily when things go wrong
Yes, most of the times: 0 points Yes, some times: 1 score Not often: 2 points Never: 3 points 4.I worry for no reason
Not at all: 0 points Rarely: 1 point Some times: 2 points Very often: 3 points 5.I'm afraid panic, panic without good reason
Quite often: 0 points Occasionally: 1 point Rarely: 2 points Never: 3 points 6.Things get difficult for me
Yes, most of the time I can't manage: 0 points Yes, sometimes I can't do well as before: 1 point No, I deal with it most of the time: 2 points No, still the same: 3 points 7.I'm so unhappy that I have trouble sleeping - insomnia
Yes, most of the times: 0 points Yes , some times: 1 point Infrequently: 2 points Not at all: 3 points 8.I feel sad, miserable
Yes, most of the time: 0 points Yes, quite often: 1 point Not often often: 2 points Not at all: 3 points 9.I am so sad that I cry (actually cry)
Yes, most of the time: 0 points Yes, quite often: 1 point Infrequently: 2 points Not at all any: 3 points 10. Thoughts of self-harming (hurt) have occurred in my head
Yes, often: 0 points Occasionally: 1 point Rarely: 2 points Never: 3 points

Depression during pregnancy is a mental disorder that can be prevented if the mother, the husband and the whole family are equipped with good prenatal knowledge. A well-planned and well-planned pregnancy is sure to go more smoothly than expected. A woman needs to know in advance the difficulties of changing her physical and mental state during pregnancy and childbirth to quickly integrate and avoid unwanted "shocks".
Besides, a varied nutritional menu and a suitable rest regime will help pregnant women have enough energy for the formation and development of their babies with the most joyful and comfortable mood.
Depression during pregnancy is a common psychological disorder when the body has many disturbances due to pregnancy. The knowledge as described above and the sympathy and help from other family members will help pregnant women avoid this situation. At that time, the pregnancy baggage will become lighter.