Depression in Pregnant Women

Depression in pregnant women is a common disorder, not a cause for shame; in fact, 13X of pregnant women and new mothers suffer from depression. It can be difficult to distinguish whether you are depressed or not, due to the numerous hormonal changes a pregnant woman undergoes, however. Moodiness and restlessness, a great deal of crying, sadness, hopelessness, and lack of energy are all classic symptoms of depression. If they manifest for over two weeks, you should contact your doctor.

There is no clear cause of depression in pregnant women, unfortunately. It maybe due to changes in the chemistry of the brain or even the structure of the brain during pregnancy, hormones, stressful life events that coincide with pregnancy (or even the stress of pregnancy itself), and genetic predisposition. Each of these factors can put you at greater risk for depression. If you are currently being treated for depression and become pregnant, you should consult your doctor, as suddenly stopping or starting medications for depression can negatively affect the child.

A sudden intensifying of depression-related symptoms such as those described above, the persistence of the symptoms for over two weeks, difficulty performing day-to-day tasks, or thoughts of suicide or harm to yourself and your child are all reasons to contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Depression in pregnant women can be treated at home in some cases, too. Being sure to rest as much as possible will help you avoid putting a strain on yourself and your relationships, while asking for help is another wise idea. It is not a shameful thing to ask for help from friends and family members when you need to, and discussing your feelings with them can help. A support group may also be available in the area, either for pregnancy-related depression or general depression.

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