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Women giving birth in winter are at greater risk of postnatal depression, a new study finds.
The study, published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, found that more than one-third (35%) of expectant mothers having seen their last trimester fall between August and November suffered from depression, compared to about a quarter (26%) of women. who had summer babies.
The researchers analyzed information from 293 first mothers who participated in two clinical trials on pre- and post-pregnancy sleep.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The data collected includes the amount of daylight among women in the last trimester of their pregnancy, as well as information on known risk factors for PNDs such as antecedents of depression, age of women, socio-economic status, and degree of sleep. "data-reactid =" 34 "> The data collected includes the amount of daylight that women experienced during the last trimester of their pregnancy as a history of depression, the age of the woman, her socio-economic status and her sleep.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "O30% of women had depression after birth, but this figure dropped to 26% among women whose last trimester coincided with longer daylight hours and 35% among those who had winter births. "data-reactid =" 35 ">O30% of women had depression after birth, but this figure dropped to 26% among women whose last trimester coincided with longer daylight hours and 35% among those who had winter births.
It is thought that sunlight triggers the production of serotonin hormone, which stimulates the mood.
"In primiparous mothers, day length in the third trimester, particularly shortened day length compared to short, long, or long days, was associated with concomitant severity of depressive symptoms," said Dr. Deepika Goyal. from San José. State University.
<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – smt Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The authors of the study suggest women at risk of depression should try to go out more in the winter and try light therapy to relieve their symptoms. "data-reactid =" 38 ">The authors of the study suggest women at risk of depression should try to go out more in the winter and try light therapy to relieve symptoms.
"Women should be encouraged to be frequently exposed to daylight throughout their pregnancy to improve their vitamin D levels and suppress the hormone melatonin," Dr. Goyal added.
"Daily walks during the day can be more effective at improving mood than walking in a mall or using a treadmill in a gym.
"Similarly, early morning or late evening walks can be relaxing but would be less effective at increasing vitamin D exposure or suppressing melatonin.
Women giving birth in winter are more likely to suffer from PND [Photo: Getty]
But what can pregnant women do to prevent PND?
According to the advice and support for pre- and postnatal depression (PANDAS), postnatal depression (often referred to as "PND" or "postpartum depression") is a condition that usually occurs within the first year after childbirth.
It causes depressive symptoms such as bad mood, anxiety and withdrawal from others.
A recent Netmums survey found that 50% of mothers had postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety, while 73% of mothers had a low mood after the birth of their child, 56% of whom were over six. weeks.
According to the NHS, although several studies have been conducted on the prevention of postnatal depression, there is no indication that you can do anything to prevent the development of the disease, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. possible.
The NCT website has some tips on its website, offering suggestions for combating postnatal depression:
Their tips include: –
- Build a support network
- Accept offers of help
- Opening on how you feel to a friend, family member.
- Take the time to do some exercise
- Eat healthy and reduce caffeine and alcohol
- Trying Mindfulness – Apps like Headspace can help improve your mental well-being.
Other treatments for PND include: –
Psychological Therapy – Your doctor may recommend a self-help class or refer you to therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Antidepressants – if your depression is more severe or if other treatments have not helped you, they may be recommended by your doctor. Your doctor will be able to prescribe a safe medicine to take during breastfeeding.
Organizations such as the Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI) and Counseling and Support for Pre- and Postnatal Depression (PANDAS) can also be helpful sources of help and advice.
Mind and Tommy are two other charities you can talk to.
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