I am 21 years old and I am going through a depression as I am pregnant and I have a headache on the right side and every time I cry and have very negative thoughts in my mind. What should I do? Please help me.

Dr. Indranil SahaPsychiatrist21yrs exp

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Depression in pregnancy affects up to 10 to 13% of women. Yet, as few as 20% of pregnant women with depression receive adequate treatment. Depression can profoundly affect a woman?s sense of wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life. Untreated or incompletely treated depression can also have adverse consequences for the offspring. Researches show an increase in markers of infant morbidity such as preterm birth, childhood emotional difficulties, behaviour problems, and, in some studies, poor cognitive development. Antenatal depression also is one of the strongest risk factors for postnatal depression, a condition linked to developmental problems in children. Severe depression can result in suicide, a major cause of maternal death. I would suggest you to consult a neuropsychiatrist at the earliest. There should not be any stigma in that. Because your baby's well being depends upon your mental and physical state. Inform your Gyenecologist too so that a combined treatment planning can be done. There are several options to treat depression. Many of the times a mere supportive family environment with proper psychological counseling are helpful. But often medication management is required. So don't wait and watch consult today. Thanks.  

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