Pregnancy is often associated with a period of happiness, but it is not always the case. Even before they are born, there are women suffering from depression, which can have important consequences for the health of the fetus.
This is indicated by the results of an unpublished study of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology of the King's College of London, London. who had access to BBC Brazil and published in the scientific journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
A group of scientists examined 106 pregnant women from week 25 of pregnancy. 49 of them were diagnosed with depression but did not take medication.
Blood and saliva samples were then taken to make sure they had symptoms associated with depression such as increased production of cortisol a hormone related to stress.
After giving birth, the researchers monitored the babies to monitor their cortisol levels. The examinations were conducted six days after birth, eight months and 12 months.
The analysis of all these data revealed several factors of importance. The first is that women with depression gestation period slightly shorter than those who do not have the disease. They give about eight days before the average birth.
But what the researchers had attention to was the effect that depression had on the little ones.
The children of the mothers who had depression were more hyperactive, more crying and cortisol produced in conditions that normally exposed other babies.
The difference in this type of behavior can be seen in babies with only a few days of life.
"Almost two days after birth, babies whose mothers suffered depression also had more sensitive to cold ," he told BBC. Brazil, the professor of King's College London, Carmine Pariante, one of the authors of the research.
A year later, the same babies released much higher cortisol levels than those whose pregnant women had no problems. during pregnancy when they need to face a vaccine.
Cortisol is a hormone that releases our body in uncomfortable situations or considered to be threats.
"The release of cortisol itself is not bad because it is a reaction of the body to stress, which gives energy to the muscles and increases the concentration of the brain," explains the professor.
"But research shows that what a normal situation for other babies may be difficult for the children of mothers with depression."
According to the professor, the signs of stress in the pregnant woman's blood cross the placenta and enter the baby's blood, affecting the child's reaction system to awkward situations. 19659022] "The baby identifies the environment of the mother as stressful and responds to that base," said the researcher.
The concern about increased sensitivity to stress is the risk that these children develop psychological problems or depression in the future when dealing with everyday problems or situations of suffering such as loss of A relative, pestle whether to deal with academic and professional frustrations
. whether they are children or adolescents, they may be more sensitive to their environment, "Pariante evaluates.
" And if a dramatic situation occurs or if their targets of are stolen it may be That's more sensitive to these changes and this leads to a more serious health problem. "
According to the professor of psychiatry, at least one in every ten pregnant women in depression. According to him, the most important message King's College research shows is that it is important for pregnant women to seek treatment to .
For him the taboos about depression and romance around the pregnancy prevent the search for help.
There is print of of society that pregnancy should be a time of happiness but the truth is that very pregnant women. They are depressed and do not need any help, "he said.
"This research shows that depression must be acknowledged and treated not only for the sake of the mother, but also for the baby to become a child and adult.
However, the researcher acknowledges that studies lack the evidence of greater security which is the best treatment for depression during pregnancy.
Some research suggests that antidepressants c The behavior of babies, but Pariante emphasizes that it is difficult to know with certainty whether the effect is The treatments that do not require medication highlights can help prevent depression during pregnancy, although it depends on each case.
"For more serious cases, antidepressants are prescribed, but there are psychological treatments and nutritional interventions that can bring benefits, such as the Omega 3 supplement for women. with depression, "he says.
" The decision on treatment should be well informed so that the mother and the doctor can find the alternative they feel best, "insists.