Depression and Pregnancy-What Is the Connection?

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