Natural Pregnancy Remedies for Depression
Can you recommend natural pregnancy remedies for depression during pregnancy?
It's not uncommon for women to experience depression during pregnancy. Depression may be caused by a genuine deficiency or imbalance in the body and can be improved very effectively if the imbalance is addressed diligently. Some pregnant women prefer to investigate natural pregnancy remedies instead of drugs to treat depression; although many depression drugs can be safe for pregnant women to use. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatment for depression, whether natural or not.
Here are some natural pregnancy remedies that may be used to treat depression:
Exercise, especially outside during daylight hours, can be very effective in elevating mood. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity activity several times a week can work wonders for depression. Of course, it brings many other health benefits, as well, including improved strength and fitness for labor, and long-term benefits for your baby.
Mild to moderate depression has been shown to respond to supplemental omega-3 essential fatty acids. Fish oil from wild-caught fish that have been screened for toxic pollutants is a good source of the fatty acids EPA and DHA. Taking several capsules a day for several weeks may be required before benefit is noticed. These fatty acids also decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, arthritis, skin disorders, some cancers and other inflammatory processes and are utilized by the growing baby for brain development.
The flowering tops of Saint John's wort, also known as hypericum, may be helpful in treating depression and anxiety. However, you should consult a professional before taking any natural pregnancy remedies or medicinal herbs during pregnancy.
Ambivalent feelings are a normal part of pregnancy and do not mean a woman is a "bad" mother. Women with a history of depression before pregnancy may be more likely to experience some low feelings, especially in the early and late parts of their pregnancy, or in the postpartum period. Treating the cause of sadness or fear or anger is always the best medicine. If you can identify and address these issues, you're depression may resolve, as well.
But if your feelings of sadness become overwhelming, even after trying these natural pregnancy remedies, it is advisable to consult your midwife or doctor.
Exercise, especially outside during daylight hours, can be very effective in elevating mood. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity activity several times a week can work wonders for depression. Of course, it brings many other health benefits, as well, including improved strength and fitness for labor, and long-term benefits for your baby.
Mild to moderate depression has been shown to respond to supplemental omega-3 essential fatty acids. Fish oil from wild-caught fish that have been screened for toxic pollutants is a good source of the fatty acids EPA and DHA. Taking several capsules a day for several weeks may be required before benefit is noticed. These fatty acids also decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, arthritis, skin disorders, some cancers and other inflammatory processes and are utilized by the growing baby for brain development.
The flowering tops of Saint John's wort, also known as hypericum, may be helpful in treating depression and anxiety. However, you should consult a professional before taking any natural pregnancy remedies or medicinal herbs during pregnancy.
Ambivalent feelings are a normal part of pregnancy and do not mean a woman is a "bad" mother. Women with a history of depression before pregnancy may be more likely to experience some low feelings, especially in the early and late parts of their pregnancy, or in the postpartum period. Treating the cause of sadness or fear or anger is always the best medicine. If you can identify and address these issues, you're depression may resolve, as well.
But if your feelings of sadness become overwhelming, even after trying these natural pregnancy remedies, it is advisable to consult your midwife or doctor.
Answered by
Dr. Morgan Martin
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