Depression during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the time of joy, but this is not true for every pregnant woman. On an average 14 to 23 percent of pregnant women experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy. Since many years it was believed that during pregnancy happy hormones are released. These pregnancy hormones were believed to keep depression at bay. However, today it has been find out that rapid increase in hormonal level has adverse effect on brain chemistry that finally leads to depression.

Depression during Pregnancy

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also make women anxious. Most pregnant women go through an emotional roller coaster ride at one moment she have happy thoughts while on the other she may feel depressed and emotionally vulnerable.

Most of the depression cases during pregnancy go unnoticed and undiagnosed. This is because women often confuse them with temporarily mood swings, a common condition during pregnancy. So it is important to freely share your feelings with your midwife or doctor. Remember that your psychological health during pregnancy is as important as your physical health. In fact both of them have strong influence on each other.

It is evident from many researches that depression during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labour. If left unattended this condition hampers the women’s ability to take care of herself and her child. Some changes during pregnancy cause symptoms similar to depression however, if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks then call a doctor.  Here are some of the signs of depression in pregnant women:

• Feeling of hopelessness.
• Mood swings.
• Problem in concentration.
• Don’t feel like socialising.
• Feeling of guilt and worthlessness.
• Headaches.
• Stomach problem.
• Losing interest in activities that you use to enjoy.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feel like crying.
• Trouble sleeping.

Postpartum Depression

Pregnant women are not only at risk of depression during pregnancy but post pregnancy they are equally vulnerable to depression. ‘Postpartum depression’ is the term given to depression experienced by women after childbirth. It mostly occurs within three months after delivery. Symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to the symptoms described above. Apart from these, the women with postpartum depression:

• is not able to take care of herself and her baby.
• may be afraid of being alone with her baby.
• either intensely worry or have little interest in baby.
• negative feeling towards baby.

Read more articles on Problems During Pregnancy