While pregnant, gynaecologists say the combination of changing hormones in the body and the prospect of a dramatic life change can have an effect on a woman’s mental state.

Dr Emmanuel Semwaga, a gynaecologist/obstetrician at Mediheal Diagnostic and Fertility Centre in Kigali, says depression during pregnancy has been proven to have a link to all kinds of problems, most notably premature birth, and low birth weight.

In fact, it’s evident that pregnant women who suffer from depression have an increased risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia, a condition that is dangerous to both mother and child.

Also, the new-born children of depressed moms-to-be suffer many adverse outcomes. If they were born prematurely, they are likely to have developmental problems or congenital disabilities.

Dr Semwaga says maternal depression prevents moms from bonding with their babies. And infants born to women with antepartum depression are shown to be less active and more sensitive to stress.

Dr Iba Mayale, a gynaecologist, says there is evidence that the effects of depression during pregnancy can last for a child’s entire lifespan.

For instance, according to American Medical Association studies, a direct link between depression during pregnancy and children indicates that such children end up developing mood disorders later in life.

Causes

According to studies, it is difficult to single out a specific cause of depression during pregnancy (sometimes known as antepartum depression).

However, it is believed that the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy play a large role in triggering a depressive episode.

Dr Semwaga explains that this is so because these changes have a direct impact on the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood (serotonin and dopamine).

Also, he points out that one might be dealing with difficult life situations that make it tough to handle the stress of the pregnancy effectively.

"It’s ideal to understand that while pregnant, one is likely to overthink especially when it comes to finances to take care of the new-born. Also, this is the time when one is dealing with changes to their body which can be distressing,” he says.

Meanwhile, experts note that some common triggers of depression include; family history of depression, traumatic life events, lack of support from family, among other reasons.

Way forward

Dr Theodomir Sebazungu, a gynaecologist at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), says pregnancy and depression shouldn’t be taken lightly.

He explains that some of the risks of untreated depression may be fatal, and for this reason, help is fundamental.

Private Kamanzi, a nutritionist, says when one is depressed, they are less likely to take care of themselves.

He says pregnant women who suffer from depression make poor nutritional choices, either not eating enough or choosing foods that are unhealthy.

"In case of this, it can jeopardise not only the nutritional health of the mother but also that of the unborn child,” he says.

To deal with depression during pregnancy, experts suggest that medication and psychotherapy can help.

Also, different kinds of therapy can be successful in treating depression as it can help reduce stress caused by a difficult relationship.

In addition to this, it is believed that cognitive-behavioural therapy can help one alter negative thought processes that are causing them to feel depressed.

Exercise is also one of the strategies to adopt in order to keep depression at bay. This is so because when one exercises, the brain releases feel-good endorphins that immediately elevate one’s mood.