Perinatal depression and postpartum depression: combat them with Omega-3s
Fish oil: an answer against perinatal and postpartum depression
Omega-3 fatty acids introduced in the diet play a key counteracting role to both perinatal depression and postpartum depression. Perinatal depression (also known as maternal depression) and postnatal depression (also known as postnatal depression) are 2 mood disorders found in the pregnancy and and postpregnancy stages:
- the first is manifested by physical and emotional alterations and changes during the 9 months of pregnancy;
- The second, on the other hand, strikes between 6 and 12 weeks after delivery and can last for quite some time.
Perinatal depression: the action of omega-3s
Nutrition is one of the risk factors behind the onset of this mood disorder, a manifestation that should not be neglected under any circumstances: in fact, this condition can cause damage to both the mother's and the child's health. These are the words of Brenda M. Y. Leung, author of a study published in the Journal of American Dietetic Association. The symptoms of this particular disease are the same as those of common depression:
- bad mood
- lack of concentration
- apathy
- poor sleep quality
- lack of appetite
The study found that low levels of Omega-3 EPA and DHA may contribute to the development of this disease. It is therefore necessary to resort to dietary supplementation with these nutrients, a process that can be done in 2 ways:
- consuming foods that contain Omega-3 (especially fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, halibut and sardines) 2 to 3 times a week;
- adding dietary supplements containing these fatty acids to one's diet.
It would also appear that minerals such as iron and zinc may modify the risk of occurrence of this disorder.
Postpartum depression: fish oil as a preventive tool
Intake during pregnancy of Omega-3 DHA from fish oil decreases the risk of the onset of postpartum depression and helps improve the health of the baby. This was revealed in a study of 52 pregnant women conducted by the University of Connecticut School of Nursing. The researchers divided the pregnant women into 2 groups:
- women in the former took fish oil capsules equal to 300 milligrams of DHA from the 24th week of gestation until delivery;
- Those in the second were given a placebo instead.
After delivery, all patients were assessed for their emotional state using the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale, a method for determining personal feelings and sensations (sadness, anxiety, emotionality, guilt, loss of self) objectively. It was found that women treated with fish oil had lower scores, so they suffered less anxiety, sadness and emotionality than those given only placebo. This means that Omega-3 DHA from fish oil implemented an effective counteracting action during gestation. During "sweet expectation," researchers recommend taking Omega-3 at least 3 times a week.
