Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful time for a woman. Especially for those who have their first pregnancy. The happiness feeling is very important for pregnant woman. Usually pregnant woman who are happy will think about her embryo condition and her own condition more intense, like choosing good food, checking pregnancy regularly, giving stimulus to the embryo, and do all preparation to welcome the baby.
It's not surprising if pregnant woman who are happy will deliver healthy baby, physically or mentally. Sadly not all women are happy with their pregnancy. In contrary they feel depressed. It's not good for the embryo. And because of that you must avoid depression during pregnancy.

A. Types And Causes

Some diseases or complications during pregnancy are caused by psychological disturbance or emotional disturbance, or is worsened by it. Depression happens because of the immature state of the emotional and psychosocial development, with inability to adapt to the situation. These are some causes of depression on pregnant woman.
1. Unwanted pregnancy.
2. Economical factor.
3. Unhappy marriage.
4. Worry about getting to hospital, full bed rest, or pregnancy complication.
5. Anxious about birthing process.

B. What You Have To Be Aware Of

Usually pregnant woman who is depressed shows more tears than smile, she doesn't want to eat, and rarely check her pregnancy. Beside that she never gives any stimulation to the embryo and doesn't prepare to deliver the baby. She is also getting more depressed when reminded about her birthing process. The worst is she doesn't expect her baby anymore. Her heartbeat isn't normal, and will be accepted by the embryo as "unusual vibration sensation"
A depressed mother will also trigger the stress on the embryo. Baby who is born with burdens of "stressful experiences" will have so many abnormalities. Such as hard to sleep during first weeks, easily upset and angry, cries a lot, and it's hard to calm him or her down.
Beside, the baby sometime doesn't have strong bonds with the mother. This is caused by the effect of the adrenaline hormone rate variation of the mother (which is increasing or decreasing depends on the emotion) which is transferred to the embryo through the placenta. It's not surprising in this case the baby is born with less weight necessary and is easily get ill or it's hard to deliver the baby.

C. How To Handle And Avoid

Immediately treat the mother so the depression doesn't keep happening. Think positively, happily, and do not think pregnancy is a burden because it will affect the condition, both physically and mentally. Also do not consume antidepressant medicine. It's better to talk with the gynecologist. If necessary, see a therapist. By that the pregnant woman will have good support and colleague to channel her anxiousness and fear which related to her pregnancy or the baby she's about to deliver.

Consume healthy food during pregnancy and do all activity like usual, like before get pregnant. You could also get motivation and support from anyone, such as parent, close relatives, or friends, so you won't feel burdened and get happier.

Sometime, stress and depression is inevitable. But pregnancy is a "big and glorious project" entrusted by the god. So, if stress or depression continues for more than 2 weeks, don't let it. Involve your husband. This will prevent and overcome the depression on the mother. Husband can also help maintain nutritional supply needed by the his wife and the baby, giving love, care, and more exclusive attention, communicate with the baby by stimulating it through soft touch on the mother's womb, giving soft motivational speech, and also accompany the mother during delivering process. Even though only by holding her hand and praying for the safety of the mother and the baby.