Q. Does being depressed during pregnancy make a woman more likely to experience postpartum depression?
Please provide medical links/knowledge or your direct experience, not what you think could happen.
Thanks
Please provide medical links/knowledge or your direct experience, not what you think could happen.
Thanks
A. Yes, according to many articles I found.
Here are some links:
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/postpartumdepress/a/riskofppd.htm
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408688_5
http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/postpartum_depression_risk_factors
Here are some links:
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/postpartumdepress/a/riskofppd.htm
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408688_5
http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/postpartum_depression_risk_factors
Is there any point during pregnancy where the chance of stillbirth dramatically decreases?
Q. Was just wondering if like miscarriages, there is a point during pregnancy where the chance of stillbirth decreases. What are the statistics of a stillbirth happening? Does the chance go up depending on the mother's age or location?
A. Many stillbirths occur without warning, in women without any risk factors. Women at risk for stillbirths -- such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure -- should be monitored closely. They'll usually have a fetal evaluation during the last weeks of pregnancy. If this exam shows something out of the ordinary, early delivery may prevent a stillbirth. Sometimes, there may be a need for an emergency cesarean delivery.
All pregnant women should keep track of fetal movements several times every day, regardless of other risk factors. This is especially important after the 26th week. If the baby kicks or moves less often, see a doctor right away or go to the hospital.
After a stillbirth, you may want to wait some time before getting pregnant again. Some women who get pregnant in the first 12 months after a stillbirth experience high levels of anxiety and depression, both during the pregnancy and up to a year after the birth of a healthy baby.
Depending on the cause of the stillbirth, you may be a "high risk" pregnancy the next time you get pregnant. Seeing a high-risk obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist may help you map out a plan to ensure close monitoring of you and your fetus in the next pregnancy.
Your chances of having a healthy baby are better if you take good care of your health before you get pregnant and you get early, regular, prenatal care. Your doctor will screen for infections, review your medical history, and make sure any ongoing problems get proper treatment.
These steps can help you have a healthy pregnancy:
Exercise, eat well, and take at least 600 mcg of folic acid daily, starting at least 1 to 2 months prior to conception.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Never stop any medication without first discussing it with your doctor.
Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid food poisoning and other infections. Stay away from ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and fast foods. If you must eat these foods, be sure they're heated thoroughly. Don't eat soft cheeses or undercooked meats.
All pregnant women should keep track of fetal movements several times every day, regardless of other risk factors. This is especially important after the 26th week. If the baby kicks or moves less often, see a doctor right away or go to the hospital.
After a stillbirth, you may want to wait some time before getting pregnant again. Some women who get pregnant in the first 12 months after a stillbirth experience high levels of anxiety and depression, both during the pregnancy and up to a year after the birth of a healthy baby.
Depending on the cause of the stillbirth, you may be a "high risk" pregnancy the next time you get pregnant. Seeing a high-risk obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist may help you map out a plan to ensure close monitoring of you and your fetus in the next pregnancy.
Your chances of having a healthy baby are better if you take good care of your health before you get pregnant and you get early, regular, prenatal care. Your doctor will screen for infections, review your medical history, and make sure any ongoing problems get proper treatment.
These steps can help you have a healthy pregnancy:
Exercise, eat well, and take at least 600 mcg of folic acid daily, starting at least 1 to 2 months prior to conception.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Never stop any medication without first discussing it with your doctor.
Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid food poisoning and other infections. Stay away from ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and fast foods. If you must eat these foods, be sure they're heated thoroughly. Don't eat soft cheeses or undercooked meats.
If you take an anti-depressant, did you continue it during pregnancy?
Q. I am on a very small dose of the anti-depressant Lexapro, only 5 milligrams. Would I be able to keep taking it during pregnancy? I really need it, it's not only for depression, it helps with my interstitial cystitis in my bladder. I don't want to be in pain all through pregnancy without it.
I'm only on 5 milligrams of lexapro.
I'm only on 5 milligrams of lexapro.
A. Very likely but you need to discuss it with your doctor. Many people choose to stay on antidepressants during pregnancy, though some do need to switch the antidepressant they are on. As some are safer in pregnancy than others.
Your doctor knows your needs best and can help you make the choice that is right for you.
Your doctor knows your needs best and can help you make the choice that is right for you.
How can I safely RAISE my cholesterol levels?
Q. For years, I have had unusually low cholesterol readings - as low as 99 total cholesterol. For the same period of time I have been dealing with anxiety issues and depression. I recently found studies that linked the two. I have one child and notices that all my anxiety/depression issues resolved during pregnancy (a time when the body naturally raises the cholesterol levels) As such, I would like to raise my cholesterol levels in order to see if this is contributing to the anxiety - is their a safe way to do so?
A. I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with anxiety and depression it's a tough road. Working with a psychiatrist and therapist you can determine what medication and talk therapy could help. Finding a medication can be tough - a bit trial & error , (sorry, but since they can't sample exactly what is going on chemically in your brain they have to try by experimenting with small doses).
Is it possible that you also took better care of your body during pregnancy? Better diet? More sleep?
You are so smart to realize that what you eat, and the blood chemistry results, may have an effect. Good nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy AND to good mental health too! There are nutrients that your body cannot absorb and make us of unless there is sufficient fat in your diet along with other healthy foods. When adding fats, choose well. Olive oil is produced without as much processing and does not result in as much of the "bad cholesterol."
Examine your diet - keep a journal of eating, then review your habits with a nutritionist. If you identify possible imbalances and correct these your body will function better and produce a healthier balance of chemistry in your brain to support mental heath. Do not neglect exercise, even if you are down, because it also plays a part in maintaining your overall heath.
Regular blood tests are a good idea because your MD will be able to identify and hormonal or endocrine problems too.
Keep doing your best to take care of yourself, being responsible for your mental health! You are very important to your family and friends and my heaart goes out to you too! Time you spend maintaining your health is an investment in your loved ones too! God bless you & yours -- JA
Is it possible that you also took better care of your body during pregnancy? Better diet? More sleep?
You are so smart to realize that what you eat, and the blood chemistry results, may have an effect. Good nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy AND to good mental health too! There are nutrients that your body cannot absorb and make us of unless there is sufficient fat in your diet along with other healthy foods. When adding fats, choose well. Olive oil is produced without as much processing and does not result in as much of the "bad cholesterol."
Examine your diet - keep a journal of eating, then review your habits with a nutritionist. If you identify possible imbalances and correct these your body will function better and produce a healthier balance of chemistry in your brain to support mental heath. Do not neglect exercise, even if you are down, because it also plays a part in maintaining your overall heath.
Regular blood tests are a good idea because your MD will be able to identify and hormonal or endocrine problems too.
Keep doing your best to take care of yourself, being responsible for your mental health! You are very important to your family and friends and my heaart goes out to you too! Time you spend maintaining your health is an investment in your loved ones too! God bless you & yours -- JA
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar