| At one time, doctors believed that the hormones | | | | pregnancy. Having an existing history of clinical |
| associated with pregnancy were a good protection | | | | depression or PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric |
| against depression. In more recent years, however, | | | | Disorder, a severe type of premenstrual syndrome |
| there has been a growing body of evidence that | | | | or PMS) is paramount among these, as a |
| depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, | | | | predisposition to the disorder can increase the chance |
| affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion | | | | that pregnancy and its attendant stresses will bring |
| that women as whole suffer without adding | | | | on an episode. Age at time of pregnancy is also a |
| pregnancy into the equation. With figures like that | | | | factor -- the younger the woman is, the higher the |
| and with the added concern that depression can | | | | risk of depression. |
| factor into the health of the baby, it is important to | | | | There are also environmental factors to consider. If |
| know something about how depression and | | | | the woman is living alone, without the support of a |
| pregnancy are connected. | | | | partner, and has limited social support; if there are |
| First, it's important to recognize what depression is | | | | already multiple children in the family, or there is a |
| and what the symptoms are. | | | | history of marital conflict and ambivalence about the |
| Depression is a mood disorder that may have both | | | | pregnancy, there is a greatly increased risk of a |
| biological and behavioral roots. Although healthy | | | | significant clinical depression. |
| women frequently experience some of the following | | | | If a pregnant woman believes that she is |
| symptoms during a pregnancy, depression is usually | | | | experiencing depression, she should seek medical |
| diagnosed when the patient experiences three or | | | | advice immediately. This is not a condition that will |
| more of the following symptoms in the space of two | | | | simply go away; treatment to avoid the serious |
| weeks: | | | | consequences listed above is vital. |
| - A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun | | | | Fortunately, there are many ways to treat |
| anymore | | | | depression during pregnancy. One of the most |
| - Feeling blue, sad, or "empty" for most of the day, | | | | important is for the woman to take a step back and |
| every day | | | | realize that she may not have to do everything she |
| - Difficulty concentrating | | | | did before the pregnancy. If a social network and |
| - Extreme irritability, agitation, or excessive crying | | | | supportive partner are available, much of the |
| - Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time | | | | self-imposed stress of trying to maintain a normal, |
| - Extreme or never-ending fatigue | | | | pre-pregnancy routine can be alleviated by doing less |
| - A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat | | | | while others take up the slack. If these resources are |
| at all | | | | not available, psychotherapy is an effective way to |
| If a woman experiences three or more of these, she | | | | help the patient get at root causes of feelings of |
| may be suffering from clinical depression and should | | | | helplessness and low self-worth, thus allowing her to |
| report the symptoms to her doctor. | | | | cope better. |
| Depression is a serious disorder, and is more than | | | | Self care is critical - developing good sleeping habits, |
| just having "the blues." Untreated depression can | | | | regular diet and exercise routines and the like are also |
| interfere with a woman's ability to care for her self | | | | effective treatments. Medications are also available, |
| during pregnancy, and can push a woman to neglect | | | | but as with any drugs taken during pregnancy, there |
| vital personal care, thus hurting her unborn child. In | | | | are risks that must be considered. Some |
| extreme cases, the condition can also put her at risk | | | | antidepressants have been associated with serious |
| for suicide, and for abuse of substances such as | | | | side effects for the baby; any use of these drugs |
| tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Depression may | | | | should be discussed carefully with a trained doctor so |
| also interfere with the ability to bond with the child, | | | | that risks are balanced against the benefits. Keeping |
| and can also increase the risk for having an episode | | | | in mind that depression is a serious illness; there are |
| of depression after delivery (postpartum depression). | | | | times when the benefits of treating a depressive |
| In addition, recent studies have shown the possibility | | | | episode with drugs outweigh the possible downside. |
| of links between depression in the mother and such | | | | As with any medical condition that occurs during a |
| serious conditions as premature delivery, low birth | | | | pregnancy, depression requires a skilled diagnosis and |
| weight, spontaneous miscarriage, and gestational | | | | treatment by a trusted specialist. Women who are at |
| hypertension, or preeclampsia. | | | | risk for depression or who are experiencing the |
| Doctors feel that there are several major causes | | | | symptoms owe it to themselves to address the |
| which can contribute to a depression during | | | | problem as soon as possible. |