Top Tips for Managing Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are common: As many as 8 in 10 women in the United States have hot flashes around the time of menopause. And though hot flashes may be a fact of life, there’s no need
Depression is a common illness that can be mild or very serious. It is more than feeling sad or upset for a short time or feeling grief after a loss. Depression changes your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and physical health. It affects how you function in your daily life. It also can affect how you relate to your family, friends, and coworkers. Depression can occur at different times of life or in different situations.
Depression is common during pregnancy, affecting about 1 in 10 pregnant women. Some women have depression and anxiety for the first time in their lives during pregnancy or after delivery.
What are the Signs of Depression During Pregnancy?
The signs of depression can seem like the normal ups and downs of pregnancy. A blue mood now and then is normal. But it’s important to know the signs of depression. Talk with your ob-gyn if you have any of these signs for at least 2 weeks:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest in work or other activities
- Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless
- Sleeping more than normal or having trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite, losing weight, or eating much more than normal and gaining weight
- Feeling very tired or without energy
- Having trouble paying attention, concentrating, or making decisions Being restless or slowed down in a way that others notice
- Thinking about death or suicide
How Can Untreated Depression Affect My Pregnancy?
Women who have severe depression during pregnancy may have trouble taking care of themselves. They may not eat healthfully, attend prenatal care checkups, or get enough rest.
If you took antidepressants before pregnancy, you may become depressed again if you stop taking them. Having untreated depression during pregnancy also raises your risk of postpartum depression.
Depression during pregnancy has been linked to several problems, including the fetus not growing well in the uterus, going into labor too early, the baby being too small at birth, and health complications for the baby after birth.
Also, when depression isn’t treated during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of problems for your child. Your newborn may cry more and be harder to comfort and older children may have more emotional and behavioral problems than other children.
How Can I Get Help for Depression During Pregnancy?
Talk with your ob-gyn as soon as possible. Tell them if you had depression in the past, if you take medication for depression, or if you are feeling depressed now.
Your ob-gyn may ask questions about your mood during prenatal care or postpartum visits. Or they may ask you to write down answers to a survey that screens for mental health conditions. Your answers will help your ob-gyn understand what kind of help you need.
Treatment of depression may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication called antidepressants, or a combination of both. Support from your partner, family members, and friends also can be helpful. Your loved ones may be able to see if your depression is getting worse before you notice it yourself.
Many women also find that self-care (including sleep, healthful eating, and light exercise) and social support groups can be helpful in recovering from depression.
Can I Take or Continue Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy?
Untreated depression can be harmful to you, your fetus, and your baby after birth. The risks of untreated depression need to be weighed against the risks of the medication.
Studies suggest that most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) do not increase the risk of birth defects. But researchers are still learning whether other antidepressants can cause certain birth defects. You and your ob-gyn can discuss which medication is best for you and your fetus.
Talk with your ob-gyn about how you are feeling. Together you can determine if your sadness is depression and discuss what kind of help you need.
Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
What is the vulva? The external female genital area is called the vulva. The outer folds of skin are called the labia majora and the inner folds are called the labia minora. When should I
After going to another clinic in Cheyenne that didn’t treat me as a priority, it was a breath of fresh air stepping into Cheyenne Women’s Clinic. The entire staff was amazing, but Dr. Dozier was exceptional. She was kind, patient & answered any questions I had with great detail. I will never not recommend her. I am so pleased with my experience here.
I feel so lucky to have had the doctors at the Women’s Clinic for all three of my deliveries and GYN care. They provide high quality, compassionate, evidenced based care and Cheyenne is lucky to have such a great group!
I absolutely have loved it here! We just finished having our second kiddo and have worked with the vast majority of doctors here and they are all excellent!
Had an absolute amazing experience with the Cheyenne Woman’s Clinic during my first pregnancy. They did their best to accommodate my labor desires and made me feel as comfortable as can be. My husband appreciated how they took care of me, and now we’re going back with our second pregnancy! Highly recommend.
All of my appointments I’ve attended through the Women’s Clinic have been amazing the nurses and doctors have been lots of help throughout my whole pregnancy with lots of advice and support, I love every person from there they definitely are a welcoming and loving place!
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