Let's talk life - Pregnant and depressed

• Pregnant and depressed

Dear Counsellor:

I suffer from depression and I am on medication. I am now pregnant and I need to take my medication.

- Laura

Dear Laura:

Depression affects women of any age. It is very common and is treatable. Some individuals need to stay on medication even if they are pregnant. Some medications are contraindicated in pregnancy. You should be seeing your obstetrician and your psychiatrist so that you can receive the best care possible.

Depression, if not treated, can interfere with the outcome of the pregnancy. The woman can become neglectful of herself, refuses to have antenatal care and eats poorly. Her nutrition is compromise and her baby is at risk. She may become suicidal and needs to be hospitalised. If she is stressed then her depression can worsen. Domestic violence if present should be dealt through counselling.

There are several issues that need to be dealt with in the pregnant and depressed woman. Depression can occur also in the post-partum period and this can interfere with the care of the baby. Depressed mothers do not interact with their babies and this interferes with the development of the babies.

Counselling in the pregnancy is important as this will help you to cope with the stress of pregnancy and the other issues. Talk with your doctor about these issues.

• Teens should let sex wait

Dear Counsellor:

I would like to encourage teenagers to leave sex until they are in their 20s and have finished their education and are working.

- Maureen

Dear Maureen:

I totally agree with you and would like to emphasise that this is good for the individuals. Early sexual activity will increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV infection, unplanned pregnancies and cervical cancer. Whenever an individual is exposed to several partners, this increases the risk of a bad outcome. Adolescents should delay sexual activity and ensure that they don't get involved in risky behaviour.

The teen years are the time when some teens experiment with drugs, sex and criminal activities. Teens should look around and see that some teens are working on getting good grades. Teens need to focus on their academics and extra-curricular activities. They are teenagers only once in their lives and they should make the best of the opportunities offered.

It is sad to see that every Christmas term after the long summer, some girls have to stay home because they are pregnant. Teens need to have life goals and should work towards achieving them. They also need assertive and refusal skills. I would encourage teens to have a special relationship with God and this will help them to stay focused and on the right path.

Email questions and comments for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call her at 978-8602.