Depression During Pregnancy Child Growth Inhibitory

A recent study showed that babies born to mothers who are depressed, especially in developing countries, has a 40 percent risk of having underweight or stunted growth than those born to mothers who are mentally well.

"Our analysis shows a positive and significant relationship between depression in pregnant women of child growth disorders in developing countries," said an analyst in the monthly bulletin of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Even thought, the problem of poor growth of children will become more serious in pregnant women who experience more severe depression. Besides the issue of depression, estimated about 15-57 percent of pregnant women in poor countries vulnerable to conflict in marriage and domestic violence.

This analysis is based on 17 studies that looked at almost 14,000 mothers and children in some countries such as Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. Including Brazil, India and Nigeria.

"Now we are in a critical period, after seeing the results of research in 17 developing countries are. This is the first case based on the number of cases," said Pamela Surkan from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

According Surkan, inadequate growth in childhood can lead a child to grow short, low education levels, reduced productivity and greater risk of disease.

"Pregnant women who are depressed always been associated with less responsive parenting. And the possibility to provide breast milk will be lower or shorter," said Surkan.

According Surkan, to prevent the depression of pregnant women in developing countries, can be tricked by providing social support, conduct group therapy or home visits, and notification of information by the common people.

It is thought quite effective, and has been shown to help reduce maternal depression symptoms in some countries such as China, Jamaica, Pakistan, South Africa and Uganda.