Pregnancy and Depression
Low-income pregnant and new mothers with diabetes have twice the risk of experiencing depression during and after pregnancy than women without diabetes, according to a study in the February 25 issue of JAMA.
Depression during the perinatal period (often considered as the last several months of pregnancy and the year following childbirth) affects at least 10 percent to 12 percent of new mothers, and approximately 2 percent to 9 percent of pregnancies are complicated by diabetes. Prior studies have established an association between diabetes and depressive disorders in general adult populations.
The researchers found that women with any form of diabetes were significantly more likely to experience some indication of depression during pregnancy or postpartum. This association remained consistent across the various types of diabetes.
It is imperative that you take care of yourself while you are pregnant and be honest with yourself if you are experiencing any depression symptoms whatsoever so you can get the help you need.
GETTING HELP
- Visit AmericanPregnancy.org to find out more about pregnancy and depression and about how you can find help and support.
- Six Strategies to Help Avoid Prenatal Depression (iVillage)
- Depression and Pregnancy (Web MD)
- Depression During Pregnancy (Baby Center)
We would love to publish your essays. We are accepting 300-400 word essays about motherhood and womanhood. Email essays to mommytoo {at} gmail.com for consideration. We can't wait to read your submissions.
The mother in this period needs proper care, support and concern. Everyone, family, friends need to hear her patiently and show their affection to her. There will be situations which others may think to be very fiddling, but to her, it may be very real.You should be sensitive enough towards her and encourage her in whatever she says or does.