Parents start to purchase cribs and car seats, get bottles and pacifiers, and schedule prenatal appointments.
Pregnancy impacts the womans entire being.
Study Details
Researchers gathered information about the mental health problems women experienced during pregnancy from self-reported questionnaires.
Adene Sanchez / Getty Images
Participants came from a hospital in Wales and included expectant women and midwives.
There were 20 participants for the interview portion of the study.
Gwenneth Simmonds, PhD
[The] current level of support is inadequate.
Findings showed that nine women reported having mental health disorders late in pregnancy.
[The] current level of support is inadequate.
Support and help with processing these emotions are important for expecting parents.
Unfortunately, a number of barriers hinder adequate mental health care.
The search process itself can be a deterrent.
Most [obstetricians] do not have a ready list available, so thats a barrier, Benjamin adds.
Support groups and family members provide comfort and support.
Books and online blogs have also helped bridge the gap in mental health care.
These self-care solutions have been a band-aid on a larger problem.
Experts say greater awareness and action in the medical community is needed.
[Obstetricians] and midwives should be asking how someone is actually emotionally feeling.
Are you feeling anxious about this?
Hows your mood these days?
Pregnant individuals need better education on the impact of depression,anxiety, and stress during pregnancy.
They should be given information on mental health care available to them, and how to access it.
And they should not feel ashamed of what they are feeling.
Future Outlook
Recognizing and treating prenatal depression and anxiety is beneficial for mom and baby alike.
Acknowledgement now could mean a better outcome later.
People who are expecting and their children can only benefit from more importance being placed on mental health care.
If incorporated as a part of prenatal checkups, it can be advantageous to everyone.
Society needs to view mental health as just another form of necessary health care.
Currently the stigma attached keeps many people who need the care from seeking the services.
Reach out to your healthcare provider, and tell them you need help.
If they can’t provide a referral, search online.
Even ask other moms for recommendations.
Your decision to seek help is a brave one, and will positively impact your life and your baby.
2017;81(1-2):214-226. doi:10.1038/pr.2016.197
