Depression During Pregnancy
You are pregnant. You should be happy, right? So why do you feel so sad? Experiencing bouts of sadness or anxiety at various times during pregnancy is normal, however persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety and excessive worry are not a normal part of pregnancy and require medical attention. Many people think of pregnancy as a time when women are protected from depression. The reality is that for some women pregnancy is not a happy, glowing experience. Research has shown that anywhere from 10 to 20% of women will struggle with symptoms of depression during pregnancy (often referred to as antepartum or perinatal depression) and as many as one out of five are more serious cases. If left untreated, depression during pregnancy can have a negative impact on prenatal care.
What are the symptoms of depression during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of change, both physical and emotional. It is normal for pregnant women undergoing these changes to have fluctuations in their mood during various times throughout their pregnancy. They may experience bouts of anxiety, fear, and sadness. However in most cases, these feelings do not last long and do not affect daily functioning or interfere with the ability to care for oneself. Women who experience these emotions for a prolonged period of time (i.e., feeling sad nearly every day for more than 2 weeks) and who are having difficulty caring for themselves or who are having difficulty making it through the day need to seek professional help.
Symptoms of depression during pregnancy are:
- Sadness or depressed mood
- Irritability or anger
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in things that used to bring you pleasure
- Feeling worthless and unlovable
- Excessive guilt or self-blame
- Loss of interest in sex
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Suicidal thoughts or desire to hurt yourself
Who is at risk?
Women who have a history of depression are at increased risk of depression during pregnancy. Women who have a history of complicated pregnancies or miscarriages are also at increased risk as are women with a history of abuse. Other risk factors include low income, poor partner support, and trouble handling stress.
How is depression during pregnancy treated?
Psychotherapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of depression during pregnancy, particularly interpersonal and cognitive psychotherapies. Support groups have also been found to be helpful. Although medication has been found to be helpful in the treatment of moderate to severe depression, particularly when used in combination with psychotherapy, physicians tend to be more reluctant to prescribe medication for depression during pregnancy due to the potential risks to the fetus.
What do you do if you think you may be depressed?
If left untreated, depression during pregnancy can have major consequences including inadequate prenatal care, difficulty with attachment to the fetus and to the baby after delivery, and increased risk of postpartum depression.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, it is important that you talk with someone who can help. Contact your healthcare provider and let your family and others who are close to you know how you are feeling. Consider joining a support group and make sure to exercise regularly and get enough sleep since exercise and sleep can have a positive effect on your mood.