Depression during pregnancy

It is important to get the help you need if you suffer from depression!

Depression During Pregnancy

Some women experience periods of sadness during their pregnancy and some women will experience depression. The depression may be slight, moderate or quite severe for some expectant mothers. Women that are most likely to have depression during pregnancy already have a history of depression. If you have symptoms of depression while you are pregnant, it is important to seek treatment. If depression is left untreated it can worsen and may be harmful for both mother or baby.

Causes of depression are different for different people. Some women may be more prone to develop depression and others may experience life changing events that trigger the condition. Some expectant mothers do not feel good during pregnancy and this can lead to further complications. Death, job changes, family changes, relationship issues and other factors can all lead to depression.

Symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. However, some of the most common signs of depression are changes in appetite, decreased interest in activities that are normally pleasurable, changes in sleeping habits, fatigue, sad mood, lack of concentration, feelings of guilt, suicidal thoughts, restlessness and irritability with friends and family. Occasionally, some of the symptoms that women experience can be overlooked because they may be normal during pregnancy. Women that feel alone and do not seek help for their depression are more likely to not eat properly, rest properly and often lack prenatal care. This can be harmful to the developing baby's health and growth.

Depression can be dealt with in different ways and the condition is treatable with proper medical care. Often times depression can make you feel like there is nothing that can be done. This is simply not true and the feeling will get better with treatment. If women do not treat depression during pregnancy, they may be more likely to suffer from postpartum depression as well.

If you suffer from the symptoms of depression, you should contact your doctor to talk about treatment options. There are a variety of options available that are safe during pregnancy. Your caregiver may recommend medications that are safe during pregnancy. You should also consider what medications are safe to take after pregnancy if you choose to breastfeed. You might also be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist that will talk with you and help to relieve some of the depressed feelings. You should not take any herbs or dietary supplements designed for depression without receiving consent from your healthcare provider. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate these supplements and they might not be safe for pregnancy women or their growing babies.

Often times, women that experience minimal feelings of depression can overcome their thoughts by talking to friends and family. Having a strong support system can sometimes be all that is needed for some women. Ask for help around the house with chores, food preparations and other tasks that need taken care of. Eating a healthy diet and exercising during pregnancy has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of depression. If you decide to exercise, talk to your doctor about a routine that is safe during pregnancy. You should aim to do something physical for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Exercising a little will give you more energy and a sense of accomplishment. Because stress triggers depression, you should try to minimize the stress in your life or at least learn to deal with it. Make sure that you allow yourself plenty of rest time. Getting a good night's sleep is important for a healthy pregnancy and can prevent the feelings of depression. Finally, make sure that you leave time for yourself. Take time to do things that you enjoy, even if you do not feel like it. More than likely, once you begin the activity it will become fun again. Be realistic in your expectations about pregnancy and new motherhood. Changes can be hard to adapt to but with time and support, most changes can be overcome.

More than anything, enjoy your pregnancy. This is an important time in your life. Write down your feelings in a journal and try to focus on happy thoughts, memories and feelings. Finding out what sex the baby is, feeling your baby move for the first time and hearing its' heartbeat are all exciting parts of pregnancy. Document your feelings and look back on them when you are feeling down.

Comments: Depression during pregnancy

Comments 1 to 24 of about 87.
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fourthlittleangel - 5 days ago.
Nobody seems to realize that depression drains everything out of you. My DH keeps saying it's all in my head. Well of course it is and if I could wipe it out I would! I have battled depression since 2007. I have a 10 month old and I'm 14 weeks. I just want to sit and do nothing. I don't clean the house, laundry ect. I take care of my little guy, changing feeding and loving him seem to be about all I can manage. I don't want to leave the house. It's freezing. No friends visit or ask me to visit. Even if they did I would find an excuse not to go. I just want to be with my son and be left alone by the world. I hope when I have this baby and it's summer, I will get happy again. I used to go biking and hiking and camping with my hubby. He misses the old me but I'm just not her anymore. :o(

amk1984 - 6 days ago.
lilith - Also for me I have been feeling depressed because I have had morning sickness so badly and physically cannot do anything. I think its a little rude to tell people to 'just get over it'.

LauraB29 - 6 days ago.
lilith- it's so hard to push yourslef to just do it! Im overweight with this pregnancy and I may have gestational diabetes. I know I need to get out of the house and get active, but it's very hard like I dont have control over it. I just moved so I know if I had friends and family around I may be feeling a little better. I just pray everyday that God will help me through this. I try I go on little walks sometimes but I still feel sad and scared.

lilith - 13 days ago.
Hiya girls. I am relatively new to this site. Depression runs in my family, I have been diagnosed with it since I was young. Here's the trick, you feel like you don't want to get out of bed, but JUST DO IT. Wash those dishes, get a hobby that you can enjoy, and most of all, get out of the house for some you time. I've been depressed since this past summer, and it was made worse by the fact that I didn't want another kid. (I'll add a blog someday about why) But this past week that lovely nesting instinct has kicked in. So I've started cleaning again, really cleaning, not just basics. Playing my favorite songs, and talking about how I feel. I'm suddenly excited about the baby, though I have no money, or room for this child, everything will be alright. Trust me, one of these days the world will be beautiful to you again. One day you'll wake up, stretch, put your face up to the wonderful sunlight, and think 'I'm going to get myself a milkshake,' (whatever your out of home pregnant craving is) and you'll go for it, noticing how pretty everything is. I refuse meds, always have. My medicine is music, good friends, and that three letter word that starts with S...

katieinca - 13 days ago.
*39andpregnant*... I'm sorry you are feeling bad! At least you've been through it before and know that there is a light at the end of your tunnel (delivery). That's got to be some sort of comfort (knowing it's not indefinite). Have you tried simplifying it for your DH? Saying 'look, pregnancy does a number on my emotions. There's nothing I can do about that, but I'll be fine in a few months. Trust me, I want it gone waaaay more than you do. So, while I'm feeling like crap for the next few months, I need your help fending off my family and keeping me going.' Sometimes guys can have ZERO concept of what hormones/emotions are... if they can't see it and touch it, it must not exist! Anyway, one last tip... my friend was a SAHM and her husband used to leave her some cash for the week for lunch/shopping. She took $40/week of that and had a cleaning lady come clean her house for an hour on Fridays while she put her pink bunny slipper feet up on the coffee table. Her husband had no idea. But, he appreciated 'all her hard work' and she thought it was well worth it to skimp on other things to afford the $40/week to just relax while chores got done. You never know, a lil secret of your own like that might just make you feel better the next time he's being grouchy! :) ((Hugs)) Katie

39andPregnant - 13 days ago.
15 weeks along and wish I was 35 weeks. I know for a fact I am depressed. Taking meds for it. I just don't know quite how to get thru it. My doctor tells me I need to get up, go for walks. But who wants to go for a walk when it's 0 degrees outside. Depression has been made worse by DH, who feels it is ok to just scream at me once per week for doing nothing. He doesn't make suggestions to me like, why don't we go here on Saturday or anything. He just screams at me for not cleaning the house. He tells me it's my own fault for not changing my own brain. He tells me it's in my own control. Then I get it from my parents. They come over and feel it's ok to lecture me on the state of my house. Honestly, it's not that bad. It's just not as spotless as it is when i'm not pregnant. The thing is I really just want to sit here until it is time to deliver. I hate pregnancy. i hated it the two times before. The only thing I enjoyed was the baby's movement. But hardly have had any of that so far. And I like to deliver. Because then it's over and I soooooooooooooooo love babies. Especially my own. So here's the sacrifice. I sit here alone for another 20 weeks and everyone else go on with their life. Why is that so hard? On the rational side of things, I do wish I could enjoy the things I do when i'm not in this state. I miss being with my other kids and enjoying every little thing they do. I do wish i could be outside enjoying the sun, however not the cold. I wish I could enjoy the cleaning and cooking like I did 15 weeks ago. I just know the only thing that brings me out of this is delivery. so why bother?

amk1984 - 13 days ago.
I am getting be so down and depressed. I have had lots of morning sickness and headaches from the hormone flutuation. My husband and I decided we could afford financially for me to quit working in sept of 09, so I haven't worked since then. I think feeling so icky and not having a purpose during the day is really wearing on me. I hope this phase passes soon. I should be out of my first trimester the end of February and the weather should start to brighten up not too long after that.

LauraB29 - 35 days ago.
i know im suffering from depression. 2 weeks before i got pregnant we just moved to a different city far away from family and friends. I was a bit sad about that but now that im pregnant i don't want to do anything around here. I lay on the couth all day i haven't taken a shower in 3 days and everything grosses me out. I don't know what to do.

kryzzy - 62 days ago.
I am almost 18 weeks pregnant, and I was diagnosed with depression about 2-3 weeks ago and I am prescribed Fluoexetine (Prozac). I am so nervous about its effects on the baby, but by weighing the pros and cons, I realize that my baby and I would be better off if I didnt fall back into a depression. Depression ruined my appetite, I was sleeping all day, and I was very irritable and snappy to friends and family. By my 3rd trimester I have to stop taking the medication. Hopefully by then I will be motivated and feeling better.

Bri - 63 days ago.
havinagirl - I know this is a little late but have you considered calling another doctor or a therapist. You don't want to have bi-polarism hurting your pregnancy and your life. peanut-87 - I'd talk to your OB first. If she can't or doesn't know how to help maybe she can refer you to a counselor or therapist that knows about pregnancy and depression.

peanut-87 - 63 days ago.
who is the best person to contact if you feel you are depressed? i moved house a few weeks before i fell pregnant and i no longer see the doctor who i used to see when i was diagnosed a few years ago. i have since been 'ok' for a few years but now realise that the negative feelings i have recently are probably depression and not just 'normal' hormones. i dont know if i should contact my MW or doctor to discuss this? please someone help! feeling so alone right now, my BF has tried to understand but often takes what i say personally and nothing is helping! :(

havinagirl - 74 days ago.
i am bipolar and when i got pregant my dr took me off everything..and i have told and told her that it is getting worse..she just says that i am just going to have to wait until the baby is born and there is nothing that she can do about it..i just think that she don't want to do anything about it. i am 27 week's and i am not sure how much longer i can keep this up. i am just not use what to do..i can't go to another dr becouse dr's around my town have a cut off point in your pg where they will take u. i just don't know what to do anymore

MelCar - 106 days ago.
Just wanted to post something about depression and pregnancy. I had to take zoloft with my first and have continue taking with my second. My doc told me it's the safest one and it's the only SSRI that isn't transferred into breastmilk. Good luck to everyone who suffers with this, and talk to your doc because there is help out there!!!

mellissa.dowd - 107 days ago.
I lost my mother when i was young and have been depressed lately because i have a fear that i will devolpe what she had and leave my kid behind id ont know if u would consider this depression but i cry a lot and sometimes i start to cry for no reasons should i talk to the doctor?

piecesofyoukp - 114 days ago.
I am terrified.....due to have twin boys in 8 weeks or less and I am so sad, lonely, scared and unsure.....good luck ladies....my thoughts are with you all

mama-dearest - 126 days ago.
oh lord!!! I didn't realize this was a forum on here... I was just complaining in wk17 about my depression and anxiety. I was made to come off my meds. and was not put on an alternative so I'm super cranky and it's RUINING my relationship. Its to the point where tonight I actually started to pack a bag and go to my moms house.... grrr! Luckily, I have an appt. tom. and I'm going to talk to my m/w about some safer meds.

jessyboo - 129 days ago.
Im 30weeks pregnant. I just tol dmy mideife about my feelings and that I feel as though its gone on too long to be just some bad days. She gave me Zoloft.. I havent taken it yet. I read up on it and it said that the baby can have withdraws.. so now I dont know what to do.. do I take it knowing the midwife and doctors do know whats best or should I not take it.. If there is anyone out there that has had depression during there pregnancy and had to take zoloft for .. please let me know. I need to hear from someone that has already been though it and had there baby. let me know if your baby was ok. please someone help. I know I need the Meds, but Im so scared of it hurting my child.

angeH - 140 days ago.
thanks Bri, im gna mention it to my midwife n try n deal with it, maybe it would do me good to try n go for a little walk in fresh air every day and plan to do at least something to keep me busy, its really difficult because at 34wks you are a bit reluctant to take any medication knowing that you are so close to the birth x

Bri - 140 days ago.
angeH - I went through a bit of depression during this pregnancy and read up a lot on it. It is more common to be depressed then PPD. It can be serious too. A California study has linked depression lasting over 6weeks to newborns not gaining weight as quickly in the first few weeks. If you think you are depressed and don't know what to do then yes talk to your midwife. Sometimes talking about it helps, and sometimes meds are helpful. There are many different meds that are safe during pregnancy. What I found with my own is that I needed to feel accomplished. I needed to do something everyday, whether it's cleaning a closet, mopping the floor or cleaning out the garage. I also found that I needed to go outside daily. I have a 22month old here at home with me. It gets tiring just spending my time with a little guy. So, we got to play groups and the mall. Even the grocery is an outing for us. Please, if you feel you are depressed then seek help. It won't get better unless you face the problem and realize why you are feeling this way.

angeH - 140 days ago.
Im really confused as to whether i need to tell my midwife about my feelings at the moment. Im having quite a lot of days where i feel down and depressed, seem to be doing more crying than usual and today ive kinda lost interest in my normal activities, im 34 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I think my depression is been caused by my relationship with hubby at the mo and slight financial worries. my hubby doesnt seem interested in the baby and keeps saying when i mention it oh ill be ok when it comes and think im worrying about bits n pieces i still have to buy for the baby. Im only having 6mths maternity so i know things financially will get a bit btr but i just cant seem to cheer up, but im not sure i want it wrote on my medical records im just so confused about how i shld handle this x

michelle007 - 148 days ago.
I am 26 weeks pregnant and yes I am feeling very hormonal at this time, I too have financial problems, but am married. I have been referred to a shrink but don't want to go. I can be happy and then 1 sec. later mad and then crying. I think it is a combo of stress and being pregnant, and for me certain people not understanding, what I'm going thru I am 41 years old and this is a difficult pregnancy for me, I can't work, my body hurts and I'm scared about having another child and money issues, and will my baby be healthy? I understand and they say ' what doesn't kill us makes us stronger'. I have faith God has a plan and everything will be just fine. Take-care and try not to worry about the things you can't help!

xtrishaxleax - 148 days ago.
i didn't know that this was common. i'm moody and i can cry over anything. im a single mom to be and im having financial problems. plus im used to being skinny and now i have huge stretch marks all over my thighs and i feel unattractive. does it go away gradually on its own? i'm 28 weeks now and i really dont want to go to a shrink.

hollydk - 157 days ago.
well first to michelle. i use the walgreens and they had no problem with my issurance.. now when i get put on the meds for my anxiety(nerves) i will probablly have to pay something or other...idk for sure though. i always had to pay for the other nerve meds before but it was Xanex so idk........ Now to pieces, im sure some of what your are going through is TOTALLY norm for pregnacy however unnatural it feels....now you being bipolar can contribute to the more intense thing you may feel.... or it may make the simplist of things seem soooo crazy!!Now you gotta think your 6mths with twins babe.....i cant imagine lol dont help the thoughts of things like if your are goin to be able to take care of 2 at one time and things like that am i right....if you feel like that just start talkin to ppl who have done it...may be a stress reducer ???.....Mz RED.....Hunny you need to see a doctor even a health dept.. get on some vitamins and you know they can help you get state inssurance of some kind...cuz you are preggers you deff qualify, and they will help you to get that ..you know tell you where to go and all that... plz plz get to a doc or nurse for some prenatal care!!!!!!!!Health dpt will even help you find an obgyn too hunny!!!!I hope things get better

mizz red - 157 days ago.
I HAVENT WENT T0 A DR C0Z I DNT HAV INSURANCE.. IM N0T GAINING WEIGHT. IMA SINGLE M0M THAT G0T PREG WIT THE SAME BABYDADDY, I WANTED A B0Y AND HAVING AN0THER GIRL. I HATE BIENG A SINGLE PARENT H0W THA HEL AM I GUNA D0 IT

mizz red - 157 days ago.
I HAVENT WENT T0 A DR C0Z I DNT HAV INSURANCE.. IM N0T GAINING WEIGHT. IMA SINGLE M0M THAT G0T PREG WIT THE SAME BABYDADDY, I WANTED A B0Y AND HAVING AN0THER GIRL. I HATE BIENG A SINGLE PARENT H0W THA HEL AM I GUNA D0 IT