This month we are talking about maternal mental health. I’m Midwife Vic – let’s dive into a topic that still isn’t talked about enough.Â
Maternal mental health during pregnancy is a critical aspect of antenatal and postnatal care that is often overlooked. Pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of significant stress, anxiety, and depression. The hormonal changes, physical discomforts, and emotional adjustments that come with pregnancy can all contribute to the development of mental health issues. Let’s not forget that pregnancy can often cause strain on relationships, financial status, and workplace issues as well.
Maternal mental health is essential for both the mother and the baby. During pregnancy, the mother’s emotional well-being is directly linked to the baby’s development. The baby’s health and growth are affected by the mother’s stress levels, anxiety, and depression through the production of adrenaline. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and address any mental health concerns during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. It is understandable that women feel vulnerable during pregnancy as well. It’s overwhelming – from decisions and choices in care; to feeling anxious about labour and delivery or how to manage that postnatal period afterwards.Â
Symptoms
There are several common mental health issues that pregnant women may experience. These include anxiety, depression, and stress. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease that can be mild or severe. It can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and trembling. Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Stress is a physical and emotional response to a challenging situation, and it can cause negative effects on the body and mind. I think it’s so important that these conditions are notÂ
minimised in pregnancy. Instead of brushing them off as worry in pregnancy, we should really be taking the time to diagnose, validate and treat these conditions, offering women the personalised care that they need to navigate these new and often scary new symptoms.Â
Causes
The causes of maternal mental health issues during pregnancy can be complex and multifaceted. Hormonal changes, physical discomforts, and emotional stressors can all contribute to the development of mental health problems. Other factors that can increase the risk of maternal mental health issues during pregnancy include a history of mental health problems, a lack of social support, financial difficulties, and relationship problems.
Treatment
It is essential to identify and treat maternal mental health issues as early as possible. Prenatal care providers should routinely screen pregnant women for mental health concerns and provide appropriate referrals for treatment. Treatment options for maternal mental health issues during pregnancy may include counselling, medication, or a combination of both.
Counselling can be an effective treatment for maternal mental health issues during pregnancy. It can help pregnant women to develop coping strategies, reduce stress, and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Counselling can also provide a safe space for pregnant women to discuss their fears and concerns about pregnancy and motherhood.
Those fears are often worth addressing through education and information ahead of their birth, in the form of antenatal classes or hypnobirthing courses. Finding a community of other women can feel really validating and supportive through pregnancyÂ
There are some significant myths still circulating around the use of medication for mental health during pregnancy. Most people still believe that you need to come off all medication during pregnancy. However, we now know that this can be far more detrimental. All medication in pregnancy is a decision made on balance. Mental health is being prioritised more and more when it comes to maintaining a medication treatment plan, as we now understand that coming off something cold turkey, alongside the hormones and stresses of pregnancy, can have far more consequences than continuing.Â
For mental health management that does not require medication, counseling or treatment plans, self-care strategies are something that pregnant women can use to promote maternal mental health. These include getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, and seeking social support.
The Takeaway
Maternal mental health during pregnancy is a critical aspect of antenatal care that is often overlooked. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress can negatively impact the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Healthcare providers should routinely screen pregnant women for mental health concerns and provide appropriate referrals for treatment. Treatment options for maternal mental health issues during pregnancy may include counselling, medication, or a combination of both. Pregnant women can also promote their mental health by engaging in self-care strategies such as getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and seeking social support. By prioritising maternal mental health during pregnancy, we can ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Please don’t feel alone. Please speak to your midwives. We desperately want to support and help all women.