Mindful Mamas: Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy

While many people believe pregnancy should be an uncomplicated, joyful time in the life of a parent-to-be, for 1 in 10 women, this may not be the case.

Perinatal depression (PND) is depression that occurs during pregnancy, and it can negatively impact not only the expectant mom’s life, but also that of her partner, family and friends.

In this episode of The Health Wrap podcast, award-winning broadcaster of mom-of-six Lebang Kgosana delves into the topic of mental health during pregnancy. Joining her are Dr Okeyo from Mediclinic Morningside and Lauren Shapiro, a mom of three who experienced PND during her last pregnancy.

Some notable moments:

[00:01:10] Meet Dr Okeyo

[00:02:16] How to take care of yourself during pregnancy

[00:07:49] How to manage stress during pregnancy

[00:10:41] Mental health concerns during pregnancy

[00:13:38] How men experience depression

[00:15:34] The difference between perinatal depression and postnatal depression

[00:17:16] Risk factors for PND

[00:18:28] Symptoms of PND

[00:19:23] When to seek help for mental health concerns

[00:20:47] The impact of PND on mom and baby

[00:22:14] Treatment for depression during pregnancy

[00:23:51] How to manage the risk of depression during pregnancy

[00:25:17] Mental health resources for parents-to-be

[00:27:59] Lauren Shapiro describes the first signs of PND

[00:29:51] When Lauren knew she needed help

[00:31:53] The impact of PND on Lauren’s husband and kids

[00:37:59] The treatment Lauren received for PND

[00:40:18] Lauren’s advice for other moms-to-be struggling with mental health concerns