The importance of mental health when pregnant

Lenmed Private Hospital hosted a Pregnancy Awareness Day where the main speaker, Dr Chioma Onyia, shared her knowledge as a specialist psychiatrist.

The hospital organised the day to speak about issues concerning pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This was to spread awareness regarding the health of mothers during pregnancy as well as post-partum.

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Onyia stated she primarily focuses on the mental illnesses that mothers might endure due to pregnancy. According to her, some of these mental challenges include post-partum depression and psychosis.

The period in which these mental illnesses can develop maybe during pregnancy as well as after pregnancy while breastfeeding.

“This is caused by a very sensitive hormonal experience,” she explained.

She added that most patients have genetic factors that cause these illnesses, however, other reasons may vary from unemployment to lack of emotional support and even abuse. She also stated that depression among women who have given birth is very common.

Some of the symptoms that might pinpoint such an illness include a loss of appetite, fatigue, suicidal thoughts, and harmful thoughts. Some of the symptoms can also include hearing voices that lead to dangerous actions like hurting the newborn baby or family members.

Psychiatrists usually look at how intensely the illness has manifested and during what period it started,” she said.

She advised that once the person picks up any of the symptoms, they must seek immediate help. Thereafter, treatment will be started accordingly and they will be given medication that is safe to drink during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding.

“These illnesses need to be treated because if not, it can have great consequences. Early detection is key to keeping the mother, child and family safe,” she concluded.