Physicians are overlooking a very important symptom that a woman generally experiences during and after pregnancy. And this sign is none other than depression because of which, would be mothers are at a risk of harming themselves or their babies.
Nearly, one in seven women experience mental health problems either before giving birth or in the pursuing year.
Thus, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence have proposed some guidelines according to which, the women would be subjected to answer certain questions given to them by their family doctors and other health staff.
Questions would be based on whether they were feeling low, depressed or hopeless, have taken little interest or pleasure in doing things and also if they require any help.
Steve Pilling, consultant clinical psychologist at University College London, said depression in mothers is associated with a long-term detrimental effect on their children. Thus, it must be meted out on initial stage itself.
He says,
Children who had mothers who had signs of anxiety tended not to do as well in terms of educational performance. This impact is very significant if looked at overall across the country.
Thus, it would be advisable for all the doctors to frequently ask the would be mothers questions about their mental and physical health.
The guidance covers a range of illnesses including depression, eating problems, anxiety, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
