Fish Oil and Postpartum Depression

One medication that has just received a great deal of attention lately is fish oil and its ability to prevent Postpartum Depression. But what is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression or PPD is also known as postnatal depression. This is a form of a clinical depression which may have an effect on women after she gives birth, and at times, also men are affected by this.

Postpartum depression happens in women after they give birth, usually in the first few months after giving birth. Warning signs include sadness, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, appetite changes, crying parts, insomnia and reduced libido. This condition is resplendently familiar.

There is some initial confirmation to suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish and fish oil, including Eicosapentanoic acid or EPA and Docosahexanoic acid or DHA, have an antidepressant effect. It has been discovered that during pregnancy, mothers selectively transfer DHA to their baby and through the breast milk to support neurological development in the developing child. Studies show that Omega 3 fatty acid will also improve the growth of the brain and visual system of the fetus. Thus, child-bearing women may become depleted of DHA, and it has been assumed that DHA deficiency may make mothers more susceptible to depression during the postpartum period. So, eating more fish during pregnancy may reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Consuming alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil or other vegetable oils could not be as effective as taking fish oil, because the ability of the body to convert alpha-linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid is limited.

Obtaining appropriate rest, nutrition, and support are very significant, in view of the fact that being exhausted or sleep deprived or feeling stressed can add force to and fuel feelings of depression and sadness.

However, some experts also warned pregnant women about eating too much fish because of mercury contamination. Because of this, it is important for pregnant and those nursing women to use fish oil products that are not high in mercury, so as not to expose the fetus or infant to extreme amounts of this toxic metal. It can be hard to get what you need from your diet. It is better to consult your doctor first if the supplement is right for you. A doctor who is trained to diagnose, treat, and stop postpartum depression will be able to make a precise assessment of fish oil’s efficiency, particular to the needs of the mother or mother-to-be.

Tagged with: Depression • Fish • Postpartum

Filed under: Postnatal Depression

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