Pregnancy can be considered a milestone in a woman's life. All hormonal and functional changes that occur during the pregnancy period are reflected in the expectant mother's psychological sphere. In addition to being a physiological event, pregnancy can be a stress-creating condition for women and can cause psychological problems to arise.

The emotional state of the mother during pregnancy significantly affects the baby. When the expectant mother turns into an individual who is unhappy, reluctant, has a disrupted daily routine, and cries constantly, the baby will be under stress. A pregnant woman with a good emotional state, supported by her spouse and family, can have a pleasant pregnancy and give birth to a happy, relaxed baby.

For the vast majority of expectant mothers, news of pregnancy is met with joy, enthusiasm, and excitement. In addition to such positive feelings, it can also harbor negative affects like fear and anxiety, which are diametrically opposed to these emotions. Since the pregnancy period involves many hormonal changes, it can lead to these fluctuations in emotional state.

In the mother-infant relationship, where they spend the first year of life dependently after birth, the mother may sometimes feel guilt about being inadequate. A mother who spends all her time with the baby may become angry/intolerant and may develop a belief that she is harming her baby. This situation triggers feelings of guilt, and guilt triggers depressive feelings.

We can say that our emotions can manage our bodies after birth just as much as during pregnancy; negative emotions reduce the amount of milk. A mother who thinks she is inadequate for the baby often needs environmental support. Especially immediately after birth, the first priority of grandparents and close relatives should be to support the house order and leave the mother and baby alone during the adaptation process. The greatest support for the new mother should come from her spouse. Taking the mother for occasional walks and reminding her that the husband-wife relationship exists will be a great source of motivation for the mother.

Physical changes, weight gain, slowing down in behaviors, the presence of forbidden foods in the diet, clothes not fitting, and getting sleepy early can be perceived by the woman as a loss. Another name for loss is depression.

Depression is one of the most popular diagnoses in society. An individual who feels unhappy or sad may diagnose themselves as being in depression. However, depression is a medical term and may require medical and psychological intervention.

In addition to being a psychological problem, depression can also cause physiological problems for the expectant mother. During pregnancy, negative psychological affects can cause nausea, headache, blood pressure problems, and muscle pain; furthermore, they can increase the risk of bleeding and premature birth.

Factors Triggering Depression During Pregnancy;

  • Genetic factors,
  • Chronic diseases or those arising during pregnancy,
  • Risk of miscarriage,
  • Unplanned pregnancy,
  • Stressful life events,
  • Marital or relationship problems,
  • History of depression in the past,
  • Economic difficulties,
  • Alcohol, cigarette, and substance use.

The emotional state the mother is in affects the baby just as much. The continuation of depression in the mother can negatively affect the bond established between mother and baby and the new mother's adaptation to the parental role, as well as cause problems in the care of the mother and the baby. All these problems can lead to delays in both the physical and cognitive development of babies, as well as sleep and nutrition problems and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, research shows that these babies are less active, less interested in their environment, and more frequently restless compared to others.

What should expectant mothers who have just received the news of pregnancy and mothers who have given birth do?

An expectant mother who has just received the news of pregnancy can aim to continue her daily routine after sharing this joy with individuals who will support her. She can go to work and attend meetings with friends (these suggestions are, of course, for risk-free pregnancies). By knowing the characteristics of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, they can adjust their expectations of their bodies accordingly. They can take joint decisions regarding the baby with the expectant father and share these decisions with the elders of the family.

The first 40 days after birth can be considered the postpartum period (puerperium). This is the period when the mother is most open to infection, and she must protect herself. Just as her body is open to infection, her psychology is just as sensitive. She may be sensitive, angry, or intolerant. The tolerance and support of the close environment are of great importance for the mother.

Depression during pregnancy is a very common condition. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 14-23% of women struggle with depressive symptoms during pregnancy. However, in pregnant individuals, depression symptoms are often attributed to hormonal changes, and the individual may not be directed to the correct treatment. For depression to be accepted as a disease, at least five of the following nine symptoms must be seen in the person for at least two weeks and impair the person's functionality.

            1. Depressive mood lasting almost every day (sadness-feeling of emptiness)

            2. Decreased interest and desire almost every day

            3. Significant weight gain/loss

            4. Insomnia or hypersomnia

            5. Excessive increase or regression in behaviors

            6. Fatigue-Exhaustion-Loss of energy

            7. Feeling of worthlessness-guilt

            8. Indecisiveness

            9. Recurring thoughts of death

The presence of at least 5 of these items for longer than two weeks suggests the presence of depression.

Can Depression During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period Be Treated?

Depression is a disorder that can be treated both before and after birth. In the pregnancy and postpartum period, depression is widely treated with psychotherapy and medication. The level of depression plays an important role in determining the type of treatment. In mild and moderate depression, psychotherapy alone is often sufficient.

It should not be forgotten that depression can affect both the mother and the baby. Therefore, in case of depressive symptoms, seeking help from a specialist will be very beneficial for the mother and baby.