Every year many women are diagnosed with postnatal depression having looked forward to experiencing. This should be an amazing experience, a special time with their new child and even their partner. But for these women, it can be a nightmare. In many ways not only mentally and physically. But it can literally turn their whole family’s lives upside down.
The unfortunate side effect of postnatal depression for many of these women is that the condition is not diagnosed properly. Some not diagnosed at all and often the intervention of having to take antidepressant drugs more often than not ends up covering up even deeper/bigger problems later on. These problems not only include MTHFR gene mutations, which are a candidate genetic risk factor, but also a number of other problems that almost always get missed. These can be life-changing for these women and their families.
Understanding Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is a common mental health condition that affects many new mothers. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness that can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby. Postnatal depression can occur at any time during the first year after childbirth, but it is most common during the first few months. This condition can be overwhelming, making it difficult for new mothers to enjoy their time with their newborns and manage daily tasks. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate help is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Symptoms of Post Natal Depression: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Women experience post natal depression in different ways depending on their level of depression. How their genetics are expressing themselves, here is a common list of post natal depression…
Feeling depressed
Sadness
Crying
Anxiety / Fear
Thoughts of suicide
Excessive worry
Feelings of guilt
Feeling of being overwhelmed
Negative feelings about your future
Worried for your baby’s well-being
Panic attacks
Low mood
Insomnia (can’t get good sleep)
General decline of mental and or physical health when compared to before the birth of the baby
And many more
What Causes Post Natal Depression?
What you will be told about postnatal depression by most medical doctors is that you need to take SSRI drugs to inhibit your serotonin from breaking down. So over time, you should feel better. This unfortunately, while it can be effective for some women, really misses out on dealing with the underlying cause, such as folate deficiency. Folate deficiency can be even more destructive over the longer term, increasing the risk of major depression and the severity of depressive symptoms. The risk of depression causing serious problems can even increase over time, even while taking antidepressants, and that’s why it is so important to understand what causes postnatal depression. What should you do about it?
The truth about what causes postnatal depression is that it involves a number of problems. We have seen in our patients, we will discuss each one below….
Methylation, MTHFR C677T, and Post Natal Depression
Being pregnant and giving birth places a higher need on your body’s natural methylation. Methylation is extremely important to not only your health but also to the development of your baby. Including your ability to recover from being pregnant and giving birth. Many women have genetic mutations in the methylation pathway. That can cause them to become deficient in certain nutrients. This then goes on to cause changes in the way that your body uses its own resources. Because they are needed to maintain good levels of brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters. Without these vital neurotransmitters, perinatal depression is the result.
Post Natal Depression Genes
A big part of developing postnatal depression is often a genetic problem. Often the problem is that you have an existing gene mutation. So that becomes active as a result of becoming pregnant and giving birth. Then all of a sudden you are experiencing mental health problems such as postnatal depression. More often than not it is a lot more complex than just MTHFR gene mutations. Many of the genes associated with postnatal depression are those located in your neurotransmitters. This is actually good news because this enables us to support these. But now “active” gene mutations and significantly reduce or even stop postnatal depression. Genetic factors associated with postnatal depression are part of a broader spectrum of psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for further research to understand these associations better.
Folic Acid and MTHFR Gene Mutation
Research has shown that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may have a protective effect against postnatal depression, particularly among women with the MTHFR C677T genotype. The MTHFR gene is responsible for converting dietary folate into its active form, which is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Women with the MTHFR C677T genotype may have lower levels of folate in their bodies, which can increase their risk of developing postnatal depression. By taking folic acid supplements, these women can help ensure they have adequate folate levels, potentially reducing their risk of depressive symptoms after childbirth.
Post Natal Depression, Folate Deficiency & Nutritional Imbalances
Often one of the biggest mistakes that leads to postnatal depression lies in the nutritional status of the women. Prior to getting pregnant and during pregnancy itself. When there are functional nutritional imbalances this can place a great deal of stress on the pregnancy. Also in terms of stress on the woman and the development of the fetus. While these problems go unchecked and corrected it is easy for the entire pregnancy to become overwhelming. However, this can easily drive the mother to fall into depression. Essentially leaving her with very little resources to cope with the pregnancy and birth resulting in post natal depression. Addressing these nutritional imbalances, such as through the use of a folic acid supplement, can help mitigate these issues.
Screening and Diagnosis
Screening for postnatal depression typically involves a combination of questionnaires and clinical interviews. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a commonly used screening tool that asks women to rate their symptoms of depression over the past week. A score of 13 or higher on the EPDS indicates a high risk of postnatal depression. This tool helps healthcare providers identify women who may need further evaluation and support, ensuring that those at risk receive the necessary care to manage their symptoms effectively.
Treatment Options
Treatment for postnatal depression usually involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medications such as antidepressants can help to alleviate symptoms of depression, while therapy can provide women with coping skills and support. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management can also help to reduce symptoms of depression. It is important for women to work with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and circumstances.
Preventing Post Natal Depression
Prevention is always better than cure, especially for pregnant women when it comes to depression. In many ways, prevention can also be one of the best ways to make sure your pregnancy and birth is a much better experience, not to mention the many benefits you will have giving birth to a much healthier child. Preventing postnatal depression is all about discovering any susceptibilities you may have and providing the right support to lessen the likelihood of developing depression during pregnancy and after birth. We can help you discover your susceptibilities and provide optimal pregnancy support, just click on the below link to contact us.
Resolving Post Natal Depression
Wouldn’t it be good if we could just switch off postpartum psychiatric symptoms? Of course it would and you can, dealing with postnatal depression the right way is critical and by the time you have it, it can all seem like too much and that’s why getting professional help to correctly diagnose the cause of your specific depression is vital. Contact us here for postnatal depression consultations and treatments.
Folic Acid Supplementation in Treatment
Some research suggests that folic acid supplementation may be beneficial in the treatment of postnatal depression, particularly among women with the MTHFR C677T genotype. Folic acid supplementation can help to increase levels of folate in the body, which can in turn help to alleviate symptoms of depression. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in the treatment of postnatal depression. Women considering folic acid supplements should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it fits into their overall treatment plan.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management can play an important role in reducing the risk of postnatal depression. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in folate and other essential nutrients can help to support mental health, while regular exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can also help to reduce symptoms of depression.
In addition to these lifestyle factors, taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy may also help to reduce the risk of postnatal depression. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to decrease homocysteine levels substantially, which can help to reduce the risk of depression. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Overall, postnatal depression is a common mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. While there is no single cause of postnatal depression, research suggests that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may have a protective effect against the condition, particularly among women with the MTHFR C677T genotype. By understanding the risk factors for postnatal depression and taking steps to reduce them, women can help to protect their mental health during the postnatal period.
