Women with symptoms of depression are more likely to have children with less weight and height than those that do not present them, according to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Specifically, it is noted that the chances of having small children increases by 40%. The results presented by the UN agency have been obtained from 17 studies, in which more than 14,000 mothers and their children from 11 developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America participated.
We have already seen in the blog that stressed mothers have younger children, a fact confirmed by different studies, and depression seems to have the same result.
In addition, the mother's depression affects the baby's sleep. The WHO report explains that maternal depression is linked to dedicating less care and shorter breastfeeding periods, which has a direct effect on the development of children.
However, WHO clarifies that depression can be treated at an affordable cost in developing countries, with social support, group therapy or home visits. Therefore, experts are committed to promoting prevention, diagnosis and early treatment of depression, in order to benefit women and ensure better growth for children.
Surely this same prevention in developed countries would bring the same positive consequences, because mothers with depression have younger children anywhere in the world, and they need the support and understanding of the environment to overcome the disorder and conveniently take care of their health and that of their children.
