Since one is bringing new life into the world, pregnancy depression, like other forms of this emotional encumbrance, is one disturbance that must be attended to. Although use of conventional drugs is the oft-times prescribed method, when one considers the side-effects of drugs and the health of the baby, it may be time to revise one's stand.

Pregnancy is a period in a woman's life when needless to say, several internal and external changes are occurring on a daily basis.

To some women, this is a source of joy and excitement as they anticipate the responsibility of motherhood-especially the first time, to others; it is a source of a particular type of depression: Pregnancy Depression.

At this stage, what must be of uttermost concern is : there is a life inside of you, consequently, extra care must be taken on how to treat pregnancy depression as anything you ingest does have the tendency of getting into your baby's bloodstream.

After discovering this, most women, after discovering the side-effects of several of the so-called anti-depression drugs, make the decision to cease the use of some popular depression medications even as they may be going through pregnancy depression.

Well, it is safe to say it is a wise choice considering the risk factor of exposing babies to the numerous side-effects of depression drugs. Well, it's safe to say

This leads one to think what can be done as an alternative for treating depression during pregnancy?

There are other options.

The following three limbs of drug-less healing may be sufficient as pregnancy depression treatment options and I will have you know after the delivery of your child, they can still be used effectively in place of synthetic, side-effect laden depression drugs.

-Proper Exercise: This method exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts. Though I personally recommend yoga for its numerous therapeutic effects on depression, depending on the stage of your pregnancy, it may not be the safest choice, at least not while you're pregnant. However, there are some poses you can use that alleviate pregnancy depression and actually will strengthen the lower body in preparation for childbirth. They include: The 'corpse/relaxation pose', the 'Diamond/Vajrasana Pose', The 'Eagle Pose', 'Lord of the Dance Pose', 'Tree Pose' and Simple 'Yogic Square breathing exercises'. Of course, exercises of the western culture such as walking, use of treadmills, bikes and things of that nature can be incorporated as alternatives for exercise.

-Proper Diet: Ladies (and expectant dads who may read this) think about this quote by the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates: "let your foods be your medicine and your medicine your foods..." Needless to say for your health and that of the baby's, it will be essential that you eat properly. This includes knowing what, when and how to eat even the proper foods for nourishment.

-Positive Thinking: "Be renewed by the transformation of your thoughts" (Rom 12:2) That quote says it all. What and how you think plays a very important role on your life and how you view it. This also dictates your actions towards fixing the things that may be causing or aggravating your depression during pregnancy. Read up on self-help books, your religious books (if applicable) and helpful media sources that advocates and promotes positive thinking.

So, if you are considering drug-free, natural ways of coping with depression during pregnancy and even afterwards, empower yourself with these methods for success.

In Friendship.

Foras Aje