As we have discussed previously, a mother’s depression can affect her child. This includes depression in pregnancy.
Depression can negatively impact bonding and attachment. It can slow cognitive development. The longer the depression goes on, the more harmful effects may occur. Research shows that children who are abused or emotionally neglected have actual structural changes to their brain that predispose them to depression later in life. Babies are also impacted in the womb when their mothers are depressed in pregnancy. Don’t freak out, though. There’s good news.
The new study represents the first, direct human evidence that fetuses exposed to elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may have trouble paying attention or solving problems later on. But what may be more intriguing is the study’s second finding — that this negative link disappears almost entirely if the mother forges a secure connection with her baby.
This is great news. The researchers, whose study is published in Biological Psychiatry, found that having a secure relationship with mom eliminated whatever negative effects stress, depression and anxiety during pregnancy would have caused, at least with regard to cognitive development.
If this isn’t an argument for reaching out for professional help if you have anxiety or depression during pregnancy or postpartum, I don’t know what is. The sooner you can get better, the sooner you are able to provide the kind of care that it would seem may counteract and even eliminate any negative effects that might have been created while you were ill. I know for me, at least, that is a huge comfort.
Maybe you should have the good news first in the article, because when I read the first few sentances, my first thoughts (I am sure PPD/A induced as I am still working on finding the right med.) were, "oh great, something else I have screwed up!" I am glad I continued to read all of the article and know that we will be just fine eventually!
Thanks for giving me that feedback Cindi. I think I'll reword the post a little bit just so that people will read through to the end.