Dr. Mahendra P Kamat

Pregnancy is that wonderful and beautiful phase that most women rejoice about. However, many may find it hard to believe that pregnancy can bring with it a condition known as ‘antenatal depression’. This is a common condition in expecting mothers and should not be ignored.

Depression during pregnancy like regular depression is a clinical condition and requires further investigation and management. Pregnancy is related to the female hormones and therefore, mood swings are common (as during PMS and menopause). However, depressed pregnant women would typically have the following associated symptoms too.

1. Altered eating habits

2. Altered sleeping patterns (too much or too less)

3. Loss of attention/ability to focus

4. Losing interest in activities which usually interest the person

5. Feeling very anxious

6. Constant feeling of sadness

7. Uncertainty about the future

8. Feeling of worthlessness

9. Suicidal tendencies

It has been noted about 25% of women can get depressed during pregnancy for varying periods of time. Some potential reasons for this are as below.

1. Strained relationships: One of the most important factors for a healthy pregnancy is a happy relationship, not just with the partner, but with immediate and close family members with whom there is a high level of regular interaction.

2. Work stress: For working women, a stressful office environment could take a toll on their moods.

3. Previous miscarriages: This can cause anxiety and depression about possible repeat incident.

4. Potential complications: If the periodic examinations showed up possibility for complications in pregnancy, the chance of depression in the mother increase.

How it affects pregnancy?

A depressed mother would not be able to care for herself and  therefore, the baby may not get adequate nutrition for its development. Additionally, the potential for nicotine and alcohol abuse increases, which also negatively impacts the baby’s growth. There could be low birth weight, premature birth and developmental delays after birth.

How it can be managed?

While the hormonal changes during pregnancy causes mood swings, diagnosing if it is depression is important. A consultation with a psychiatrist may be required for some women.

Some of the options available for treatment include support groups, individual counseling, and medications.

1. It is important to understand that this is a common condition and you are not the only one going through this. Talking to other women who feel depressed can help in mood uplifting of all involved.

2. If you are too shy about it, individual counseling could be the next best thing.

3. Stress management including light exercise, music, meditation, rest, diet, and support from close friends and family are highly recommended.

4. Since most antidepressants would reach the baby, it is advisable to avoid these less you need them as a last resort. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a psychologist.

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Allergies, or allergic reactions, are common occurrences, which are caused by unnatural reactions between your body's immune system and foreign substances, which have gained access into the body. When these substances, known as allergens, enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies, which are responsible for warding off unwanted substances like harmful viruses or diseases and helping in the body's overall resistance.

However, when antibodies identify a particular allergen as harmful, when it really isn't, a reaction occurs which may lead to inflammation or infection of the skin, sinuses, the digestive tract and the respiratory tract, among others. Allergies usually differ from individual to individual and can vary from mild skin irritations to fatal life-threatening emergencies.

Symptoms
Symptoms of allergies depend upon a wide range of factors, which are subjective and vary from person to person and from allergen to allergen. Depending upon the type of allergen involved and the nature of the allergy, symptoms may include any of the following:

1. Sneezing
2. Running nose
3. Severe itching
4. Swollen or red and watery eyes
5. Hives
6. Rashes
7. Facial swelling
8. Wheezing
9. Flaky skin which can peel off

These symptoms are common in mild to moderate allergies, such as atopic dermatitis, hay fever, drug or food allergies. There are certain rare cases (say, scorpion stings), however, in which the allergic reaction turns out to be potentially life-threatening. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Here are its signs and symptoms:

1. Intense shortness of breath
2. Lightheadedness
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Loss of consciousness
5. Skin rashes
6. Weak pulse
7. A significant drop in blood pressure

Causes
The main cause of allergy is the uncontrolled reaction between the immune system's antibodies and harmless allergens. Allergic reactions are triggered when antibodies, like histamine, come into contact with particular types of allergens. These may include:

1. Airborne allergens: Pollen, mold, or dust mites
2. Insect stings: Bee stings or scorpion stings
3. Certain eatables: Peanuts or sea food
4. Medications: Penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
5. Latex: Latex or other substances,  which are responsible for causing allergic skin reactions