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How depression in Pregnancy can affect the development of your child
By admin | July 23, 2008
The latest research suggests that children of mothers with depression during Pregnancy are 34% more likely to shows signs of slower development.
The research by Dr Deave from the Centre for Child and Adolescent Health at the University of West England, said about the importance of their findings, “important message is that it is the persistence of depression, as well as the intensity of antenatal depression, that has an impact on the child.”
The study found that 14% of the 11,000 women studied were depressed on at least one occasion antenatally only, while 5% of women were depressed on at least one occasion postnatally. A total of 1.4% women were found to be depressed both antenatally and postnatally.
The authors of the research said their findings could better help health workers to treat pregnant women. “The findings add to the growing body of research, suggesting that the psychological wellbeing during pregnancy has important consequences for child development”.
“Therefore, obstetricians, midwives and GPs can play an active role in assessing and identifying depression during pregnancy.”
The study’s results highlight the prevalence of depression during pregnancy and postnatal depression. The study also reinforces the need for health care workers and Doctors to be alert for the symptoms of depression during pregnancy.
However, depression may only be one factor in causing developmental delay, which could be due to several factors such as medical, genetic or environmental factors. The study did not look at the development of the children past 18 months, so apparent delays in development at this age might not reflect their later development.
Expectant mothers or mothers concerned about having or developing depression during or after pregnancy should discuss it with their health care professional.
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Topics: Pregnancy News |