NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Mothers who conceive through in vitro fertilization, or other so-called assisted reproductive technologies, are at increased risk for post-natal mood disorder and early parenting difficulties, Australian researchers report.
"These data would suggest that obstetricians, pediatricians, and other clinicians caring for pregnant women and mothers and infants after childbirth should be conscious that a previous history of fertility difficulties, advanced maternal age, assisted conception, operative delivery, and multiple birth may heighten the risk for postpartum mood disturbance and early parenting difficulties," the authors write.
The findings, which appear in the journal Fertility and Sterility, stem from a study of all mother-infant pairs admitted over a 3-year period to a hospital unit that specializes in the care of mothers with mood disorders or exhaustion, and infants with sleeping or feeding problems.
Stacey's comment:
The possible culprit for the higher incidence of PND in women who have undergone IVF may be due to several factors.
Two definitely come to mind;
One: The use of IVF medication can disturb the gut health of the mother and therefore decrease her ability to absorb nutrients appropriately from her food. If the mother is not educated about this it could be dangerous to both hers and babies health.
Also because it has already been shown the women with elevated thyroid antibodies are 3 times more likely to experience PND, and depression is often a symptom of thyroid involvement, then this could be the mechanism as well. Unfortunately most physicians do not test for thyroid antibodies in women especially if they have normal TSH values. But it is well documented that women can have a problem with elevated antibodies even if their TSH is normal.
What is the solution? Be persistent with your physician and request these tests and prevent the occurence of PND by increasing omega 3 essential fatty acids in your diet.
This article brings up the importance of supplementing with enough omega 3 essential fatty acids before, during and after pregnancy. SInce omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil can help prevent PND and help regulate moods, its important that all perspective mother's know about the importance of this. Fish is high in omega 3 EFA but unfortunately fish should be limited because of mercury exposure. I personally do not recommend eating any fish during pregnancy to not take any chances, but some say small fish up to one time per week is okay. If you can't or don't eat fish, then what? Avocadoes are a great source of good fat. Nuts and seeds also have good amounts of essential fats.
If you choose to take a fish oil supplement make sure the company guarantees that all impurities are removed. No fish oil sold over the counter, that I know of, can guarantee this so if you don't know where you can get fish oil that has all the impurities removed email us at info@sharkeyshealingcentre.com.au and we will point you in the right direction.
