By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Mental health in pregnancy refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of a woman during the period of pregnancy.
It encompasses the range of emotions, thoughts, and behaviours that a woman experiences from conception to birth. Mental health in pregnancy can be affected by various factors such as hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological and social factors.
Good mental health in pregnancy is crucial for both the mother’s and the baby’s health and well-being. It can influence the pregnancy outcome, the mother’s ability to cope with pregnancy, parenthood,the child’s development and future mental health.
Mental health in pregnancy includes:
Emotional well-being: Managing emotions, stress, and anxiety.
Psychological well-being: Maintaining a positive mental state and coping with challenges.
Social well-being: Having support from family, friends, and community.
Poor mental health in pregnancy can lead to issues like prenatal depression, anxiety, disorders, and other psychological problems, which may have negative effects on the pregnancy and the baby’s development.
Historical perspective
Historically, mental health during pregnancy was often overlooked or misunderstood.
In the past, pregnancy was seen as a time of emotional well-being, and mental health issues were often dismissed or attributed to hormonal changes. However, research over the past few decades has highlighted the importance of mental health during pregnancy, and it is now recognized as a critical aspect of prenatal care. Some key developments in the historical perspective of mental health in pregnancy include:
Early studies: Early studies on mental health in pregnancy focused on the role of hormones in mood changes.
Increased awareness: The 1980s and 1990s saw an increase in awareness about mental health in pregnancy.
Advances in research: Advances in research have improved our understanding of mental health in pregnancy.
Changes in societal attitudes: Societal attitudes towards mental health in pregnancy have become more accepting.
Increased funding: Funding for research on mental health in pregnancy has increased.
Development of guidelines: Guidelines for the management of mental health in pregnancy have been developed.
Increased awareness among healthcare providers: Healthcare providers are becoming more aware of mental health in pregnancy.
Improved screening: Screening for mental health disorders in pregnancy has improved.
Increased access to care: Access to care for mental health disorders in pregnancy has increased.
Ongoing research:Research on mental health in pregnancy is ongoing.
Prevalence
Mental health disorders are common during pregnancy, affecting up to 25% of pregnant women. The most common mental health disorders during pregnancy are:
Depression:10-20% of pregnant women experience depression.
Anxiety: 10-15% of pregnant women experience anxiety disorders.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): 3-6% of pregnant women experience PTSD.
Bipolar Disorder: 1-2% of pregnant women experience bipolar disorder.
Substance use disorders: Substance use disorders affect up to 10% of pregnant women.
Eating disorders: Eating disorders affect up to 5% of pregnant women.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD affects up to 2% of pregnant women.
Panic disorder: Panic disorder affects up to 2% of pregnant women.
Phobias: Phobias affect up to 5% of pregnant women.
Other mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, affect a smaller percentage of pregnant women.
Causes:
The causes of mental health disorders during pregnancy are complex and multifaceted. Some of the contributing factors include:
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can contribute to mood changes and emotional instability.
History of Mental Health
To be continued….
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Director, Clinical Psychology, LUTH (Retired) & CEO/Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State. +234 803 402 4457
