Lagos – Mrs Olanike Ahmed, the Chief Matron of Mercy Land Hospital, Amuwo in Lagos on Friday called for depression screening during anti-natal clinics to reduce the risk of pre-term delivery and low infant birth weight.
Ahmed, who is a midwife, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
She said depression was a mood disorder affecting one in four women at some point during their lifetime, which could affect pregnant women.
She added that “depression during pregnancy is a mood disorder, also known as biological illnesses that involves changes in brain chemistry.
“But depression is not diagnosed properly during pregnancy, especially in this part of the world because people think it is just another type of hormonal imbalance.
“During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect the chemicals in the brain, which are directly related to depression and anxiety.
“These can be aggravated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy.”
The matron said if depression was not properly treated, it could be dangerous to both the mother and baby.
“A woman who is depressed often does not have strength or desire to adequately take care of herself or the developing baby.
“This can cause premature birth, low birth weight loss and developmental problems.
“This is why getting the right help is important for both the mother and baby, like getting psychotherapy, antidepressant medication that are safe for pregnant women will help get necessary treatment.
“It is high time we take depression screening very important and also include it in anti-natal procedures to reduce the casualties surrounding depression in pregnancy.”