Prenatal Wellness Classes and Depression

Introduction:

There are medications and other medical interventions that are helpful in the treatment of depression. But the anti-depression medications are mostly contraindicated during gestation. When used for a longer period, these medications can cause complications and adverse effects on the fetus and the pregnant woman in the long run. There are so many alterations for pregnant women to accommodate the developing fetus. Due to this, most medications are not recommended. Hence, other treatment approaches are needed to treat depression, including prenatal wellness classes, which help relieve depression. The research suggests that around seven percent of women develop depression during or after gestation.

What Are the Causes of Depression During Gestation?

The gestation period is both the period of joy and stress. Depression occurs in pregnant women, leading to a constant feeling of sadness and a lack of interest in performing daily activities. Depression mostly affects women more than men. The immediate onset of depression symptoms is at a higher rate during the reproductive years.

What Are the Signs of Depression During Gestation?

The signs of depression during gestation are similar to those in normal people. They are as follows:

• Severe anxiety about the fetus.

• Decreased self-esteem and a feeling of parenthood inadequacy.

• Lack of ability to experience pleasures.

• Decreased response to reassurance.

• Decreased prenatal self-care.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Intake of illicit drugs.

• Decreased weight gain.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Sleeping difficulty.

• Cannot do everyday tasks.

• Sadness and crying without any reason.

• Energy deficit.

• Concentration deficit.

What Are the Risk Factors for Depression During Gestation?

The most common risk factors for depression are as follows:

• Severe anxiety.

• Single parent.

• Feeling of isolation.

• Unintended pregnancy.

• Sexual assault and violence.

• Severe stress.

• Family history.

• A serious or chronic medical condition.

• Alcohol or drug abuse.

• A prior history of depression.

What Happens During Prenatal Wellness Classes?

Breathing:

• Pregnant women are encouraged to focus on their breathing patterns. Breathe in and out deeply and gently through the nose. These breathing techniques are necessary for reducing the shortness of breath during gestation and contractions of the uterus during labor.

Slow Stretching:

• The women are advised to stretch the different parts of the body gently. Mostly the arms and the neck region.

Postures:

• The women are encouraged to tilt their bodies to different positions while sitting, standing, or lying on the ground. The use of blankets, soft cushions, and belts is recommended so that they give support and comfort.

• Cool down and relax.

• At the end of the prenatal wellness classes, relax the body and restore the normal heart rate and breathing patterns. Repeat a mantra or word to restore the state of self-awareness and inner peace.

What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Wellness Classes?

The benefits of prenatal wellness classes are as follows:

• The prenatal wellness classes encourage mental strengthening. Focused breathing and stretching.

• The prenatal wellness classes decrease anxiety and stress.

• Elevate strength.

• Elevate flexibility.

• Endurance of muscles essential for delivery and childbirth.

• Decrease nausea and lower back pain.

• Decrease headache.

• Decrease shortness of breath.

What Are the Other Treatments for Depression During Gestation?

The other treatment procedures are:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Counseling.

• Faith-based therapy.

• Group therapy.

• Psychotropic medications.

• Yoga and acupuncture.

Are Antidepressant Medications Safe During Gestation?

The increasing evidence recommended that many currently available antidepressant medicines are mostly safe for managing depression during gestation, at least in terms of short-term effects on the fetus. Long-term effects have not been fully studied. The women should discuss the possible risks and benefits with the physician.

What Are Special Recommendations That Are Essential for Prenatal Wellness Classes?

• The first and foremost step is to talk to the physician before beginning any prenatal wellness classes; their consent is essential. The probability of the before the full term labor pain in certain heart diseases and back problems the women cannot perform yoga and other physical activities.

• Avoid holding the breath during any physical activity.

• Activities with a chance of injuries, like horse riding and skiing.

• Avoid playing softball, football, basketball, and volleyball.

• Any exercise can cause mild abdominal trauma or rapid changes in the direction.

• Avoid activities that require extensive jumping, hopping, skipping, bouncing, or running.

• Avoid deep knee bends, full sit-ups, double leg raises, and straight leg-to-toe touches.

• Avoid bouncing while stretching.

• No waist-twisting movements while standing.

• No heavy exercise is followed by long periods of rest.

• Avoid physical exercise in hot, humid weather.

• Set certain realistic goals and exercise at least thirty minutes five days a week.

• Exercise at a certain pace, and do not overdo it.

• Must perform prenatal wellness classes in a well-ventilated room.

• Avoid certain postures that can lead to trauma.

• Avoid hot yoga (a form of yoga done under hot and humid conditions).

What Are the Prenatal Wellness Classes During Each Trimester?

• First Trimester: The pregnant women who did yoga regularly before the pregnancy. They may be fine to continue with most of the poses they did before, but they may want to slow things down and gradually start phasing out poses that require deep abdominal stretches.

• Second Trimester: As the women proceed into the second trimester and beyond, avoid yoga poses in which they lie flat on your back or the abdomen. The woman growing breasts and belly may affect her balance, so slow things down even more and consider using props like yoga straps, blocks, and pillows to aid them. If a pose feels too difficult, one should not hold it.

• Third Trimester: In the third trimester, consider avoiding balancing poses unless the women have the support of a wall or chair. For some poses, blocks or pillows may help them feel more comfortable and supported. The third trimester is an ideal time to focus even more on breathing and relaxation techniques, as these are the months that can bring new physical and emotional challenges that yoga can help women manage. Listen to the body and release poses if the women feel uncomfortable.

Conclusion:

The prenatal wellness classes are essential during gestation and help relieve stress and suppress depression. Prenatal wellness offers more benefits to women and helps them overcome stress. But these exercises and postures need the physician's prior consent.