Pregnancy can be a time of new beginnings, excitement, and anticipation. It can also be a time of worry, anxiety, and fear of impending life change. It is very common for pregnant people to experience perinatal depression. The chances of suffering from depression increases if you are already in treatment for depression or have a predisposition to the illness.
If you are a pregnant person and seeking help for depression, you may want to consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a treatment option. This form of therapy uses magnetic energy pulses to stimulate the brain’s neurons, which can help reduce the symptoms of depression. By familiarizing yourself with what TMS is, how it works, and its safety during pregnancy compared to other treatments for depression, you can make the best decision for yourself and your pregnancy.
The signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy are the same as those that occur with depression in the general population. However, additional clues that might indicate depression during pregnancy include:
If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy, it is important to get in touch with your doctor to discuss treatment.
TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain in order to treat certain neurological disorders, including depression. It involves placing a coil over the scalp and directing short bursts of magnetic energy into the brain’s neurons in order to alter their activity. The process typically takes about 30 minutes per session and does not require anesthesia or sedation.
During each treatment session, patients are awake and alert and able to carry on conversations with their doctors or others in the room. While there have been some reports of discomfort associated with TMS treatment, such as headache pain or scalp irritation at the site of stimulation, these effects are generally mild and temporary.
When it comes to treating depression during pregnancy, TMS has been found to be as safe as other treatments like antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A study conducted by researchers at Stanford University concluded that “…TMS appears safe during pregnancy when administered according to accepted protocols.” The study also found that pregnant women who underwent TMS experienced fewer side effects than those who were treated with antidepressants or ECT, making it an attractive option for expectant mothers looking for an effective way to manage their symptoms.
Furthermore, women who receive continuous TMS treatment throughout their pregnancy are less likely to experience postpartum depression than those who do not receive any treatment at all. This suggests that regular use of TMS during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression after childbirth.
Studes show that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective way for pregnant women suffering from depression to manage their symptoms without putting themselves or their unborn child at risk of harm. If you’re considering using this form of therapy while pregnant, be sure to speak with your doctor about any potential risks or side effects before beginning treatment. With proper guidance from your healthcare provider and close monitoring by medical professionals throughout your pregnancy journey, you can rest assured knowing that TMS can provide an effective solution for managing your symptoms without compromising you or your babys health. If you are pregnant and suffering from depression, get in touch with the professionals at Bella Jace Center for Health. The professionals at Bella Jace offer supportive holistic care for patients seeking support for their mental health in the Brentwood, TN area.
