Baby Blues Monitor Pregnancy Without Mental Preparedness

Illustration of baby blues. (shutterstock)

JAKARTA - Facing pregnancy is not only a physical problem, but also mental readiness. Many women, especially those who are not mature emotionally, can experience psychological stress that leads to mood disorders after giving birth, such as baby blues or even post-treatment depression.

This condition generally occurs due to hormonal changes, anxiety, and major responsibilities that come suddenly without readiness. When pregnancy occurs at a young age who is still in the phase of finding the identity of this challenge, it becomes much heavier.

A specialist obstetrician and gynecologist consultant fertility graduate from the University of Indonesia, dr. Upik Anggraheni, Sp.OG, explained that adolescents who are pregnant under the age of 20 often do not have mental readiness, so they are more prone to depression after delivery or baby blues.

"Remaja at the age of 19, is often still in the process of identity formation and is not yet fully mentally prepared for the responsibility of being a parent, which can increase the risk of post-trial depression or baby blues," Upik said as quoted by ANTARA.

According to Upik, pregnancy at a young age is generally not carefully planned. This often makes prospective young mothers not get full support from their families or partners. As a result, psychological stress increases and can lead to mental health disorders that have a long impact on the quality of life.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining mental health during pregnancy, especially in adolescents. Managing stress by doing calming activities, and being open to discussing feelings and concerns with those closest to you, can help reduce the risk of depression after delivery.

Furthermore, Upik explained that the ideal reproductive age for pregnancy is between 20 and 35 years. This recommendation is also in line with the recommendations of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) and the Ministry of Health which states that too young (<20 years) or too old (>35 years old) are included in the high-risk pregnancy group, known as 4T: too young, too old, too close, and too many.

International health organizations such as the Mayo Clinic also noted that women's fertility rates decreased significantly after the age of 32 and decreased sharply after the age of 37. In addition, the risk of complications of pregnancy over the age of 35 increased, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and fetal growth disorders.

Upik added that pregnancy at a young age is not only a short-term impact, but can also trigger long-term risks in reproductive health and the body as a whole. This is often due to the lack of prenatal examinations (pregnancy) which should help detect various complications early.

"Perusakan ulu atau jalan lahir akibat kelahiran yang sulit, pemborasi hebat, atau penyakitian (seperti PID) dapat berpotensi mempengaruhi kelahan atau kecuangan selanjutnya. Komplikasi seperti preeklamsia dapat meningkatkan risiko ibu mengalami hikrotensi kronis dan penyakit cardiovascular (jantung dan urat darah) di kemudian hari, katanya.

As a precautionary measure, support from family, medical personnel, and education about healthy lifestyles and stress management are urgently needed. Upik emphasized that mental and physical care from the start of pregnancy is the key to reducing the risk of depression and anxiety in young mothers.