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 75.
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MelCar - 12 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 - 13 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 - 20 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

nuggetlovin - 32 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 - 35 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 - 45 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 - 45 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 - 45 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 - 53 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 - 54 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 - 63 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 - 63 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 - 63 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 - 63 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

piecesofyoukp - 64 days ago.
Hi Ladies I am so emotional....I am 6 months pregnant with twins....I cry over everything and nothing..... I use to take medicine for bi-polar disorder but took myself off it after 6 months o dodnt like the way it made me feel.....i feel unattractive, tired and lazy....my house is messy and I have mood swings...i feel for you ladies and if you need me I am here for you....

michelle007 - 64 days ago.
Hollydk, My doctor put me on Wellbutrin and my insurance company would not approve it, which really ticked me off. Please let me know how you feel and if it helps, because I will try again. Did yours pay for it or did you pay cash? They told me at Walmart it was almost $70 and I can not afford that.

hollydk - 65 days ago.
Okay so i actually talked to my obgyn today at my appt. And he was just real honest with me.... told me that no one knows how much anxiety and stress and depression affects the baby!!!!Which i found to be interesting, see i got treated well today... My pressure was up so he new something wasnt too good, however he did put me on wellbutrin saying that its very safe to take while pregnant... its an antidepressant and i was on it in the past and it didnt drug me up or nothing like that, but he told that next visit when ill be 35 wks he is goin to be putting me on another pill for my nerves for the anxiety, cuz it will be safe to take at that point!!! He said he wasnt goin to put me on until i had a few weeks of the other med in me...But I been on this same drug before in the past and it does kinda dope you up but he told me to take it at night sooo i can sleep too which sounds great to meconsidering i get about 3 hrs of rest a day!!!!!But i just wanted to let ppl know my story and if you have further insight on ths particular topic hit me up!!!

hollydk - 66 days ago.
Well im sooo glad to have gotten responces from you both ladies thank you ALOT!!!!And a few answers to the questions yes ive tried to change doctors....trust me!!!!They dont want to fool with me...or they dont accept my husband insurance so i would be super super stressed about the doctors bills and hospital bills, among all the bills we have now...dont get me wrong we manage...roof over our heads and food in our bellies and love in our hearts, but i just cant afford to have the baby by section with no issurance!!!!And also the reason the section is needed is due the the fact i have had 2 previous and its a must!!!! also i am having a tubal,too..so its kinda saves another surgery i suppose..I had emergency section in 05 and had a repaet section in 06 i was told that i had to, dont really know how true that was but i did it... granted i lived in a way differnt area then too... now i live in a big city where i am a PAYCHECK....and every issue i have had with this doctor or his nurses.... was just dissmissed...so i was even hesitant to have asked about the anxiety and depression in the first place.....BUt i felt it held alot of importance , i had read up a bit on it...and just heard terrible stories...i cant read anymore i became more depressed thinkin my baby was goin to come out nervous or something horrible....i am a young mother but a very good mother none the less...just bipolar and this anxiety disorder hit me!!!!Again...im not goin to lie i am very scared of the outcome...i do however pray 1000 times a day for hope and strength and wisdom to get through all this, with a positive outcome soooo lord hear my prayers!!!!!but i would like to chat with you both again maybe on a brighter day

Bri - 67 days ago.
hollydk - What concerns me is your doctors lack of interest. Why do you have to stay with this doctor? Why is a section needed? Even if you do need a section you can always change doctors. I'm sure there isn't just one doctor in your town that does sections. I would call another OB office and find out if you can get in. If so, I'd go talk with them. See what they think. Everywhere you read it says stress is not good for the baby. Granted I don't know a case where a child was effected but I know that premature labor can be caused by lots of stress. That's not saying that anxiety and panic attacks will cause labor but it would concern me enough to want to talk with someone. I know it's hard to change doctors at 33weeks but if you aren't comfortable with this one then it might be time to move on.

michelle007 - 67 days ago.
Hollydk, I've been dealing with the same thing, about four years ago we were in Hurricane Katrina, since then I've been dealing with Panic attacks and anxiety. I'm 23 weeks pregnant and I worry all the time about everything, I told my doctor and she referred me to a shrink, but I never called because I don't want to be put on medication. I also have forms of OCD now. I feel crazy and no one understands not even the people that love me. I hope you will be ok and if you want you can talk to me. I'm no doctor but I do understand. You also have to relize you hormones are through the roof right now.

hollydk - 67 days ago.
Okay so a few weeks ago i posted on here in this forum about my anxiety and depression looking for any such advice about the issues!!!!So i told my nurse practioner however i was still very hesitant due to the fact it seem like her and the doctor never acknowledge my issues. anywho..she really stood there and told me that panic attacks and stress and depression doesnt affect your baby AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why doesnt this sound right???? ummmm for one when youre having a panic attack you loose oxygen...sooooo there for your child MUST be losing it too right???????It feels like i am sooooo lost and i dont even have a doctor... well not one who truley cares...I asked if i need to see like anther doctor for my issues and the lady was like no...your just pregnant lalalala...i have no more patience im gettin worse and worse too. im 33wks now and sooo lost ...i wouldnt even go back to the doctor but i have to have a c section adn have no other choice . i lost 6 lbs last mth with all this crap and....i feel like i probably lost more, but it dont hurt the baby!!!!!!!!!!!I find it truley hard to trust that!!!

*AMANDA* - 77 days ago.
i need some help that can only be found in this forum. i am 6 weeks pregnant, i have had depression on and off my whole life but really quite bad since the birth of my daugther in 2007, i am really struggling with depression now, i have a bottle of lexapro starin me down so i have stuff for it, but i dont really want to take it im scared its going to hurt the baby. I dont know that i could live with myself if my baby came out messed up because i couldnt get a handle on my emotions. Anyway, will any one with ANY insight to my issue message me on my page??????

newmomeve - 82 days ago.
i started to feel depressed around week 12. I know it was related to hormones because both my grandmothers had very bad post partum depression, and my great grandmother and great aunt both had severe mental breakdowns around menapause. Knowing my family history, and since I started to experience this with the change in hormones, I decided to talk to my midwife about it. she referred me to a team/ group at the hospital called Women's Social Work Liaison. They work just with women around reproductive issues, including supporting women through pregnancy and post-partum periods. So far it's been great. I just meet with one social worker who completely understands everything I am going through cause all she does all day is talk to pregnant women going through the same thing. Also, they are going to start involving my husband in some sessions to support me more. I don't feel at all that they are invading my life or that there is a risk of social services getting involved in my parenting. On the contrary, I think they recognize how responsible I am being by naming the problem and seeking support early and creating a plan for pregnancy and post partum so that I have a network of support should I need it at any time. I really recommend trying this approach. If it is a reputable place, they should be able to support you, not penalize you for seeking support when you need it.

Bri - 82 days ago.
xXxEXPLOxXx - Is there a way of talking to a counselor rather then a pregnancy depression group. I wouldn't want to go into a group either. I've been depressed but have acknowledged it and it's becoming better. I'm still considering going to see someone. If it's a private counselor then they have privacy policies. Also, just because you are depressed does not mean you won't be a good mother. I may be depressed but I'm a wonderful mother to my son. He is the joy and the light of my life. I can be harsh with everyone else around me and he has all my patients and love. Don't for a moment think that just because you are depressed will it effect your love for your baby. I wish you luck in coping with depression. If you decide drugs are needed, Zolof is safe for pregnancy AND breastfeeding. I've been considering starting up just to help out a bit. If you ever want to talk I come on all the time.

xXxEXPLOxXx - 82 days ago.
I've been lying to my doctor that my depression is gone. My midwife recently picked up on my real emotions, and wanted to refer me to some team for mental pregnant people, and I was worried they'd be like Social Services --once in your life, never out of it, regardless of if you're coping or not. She was trying to be nice and supportive, but I thought she was calling me a bad mother before I've even become one, so I'm pretending everything's OK. My partner is behind my depression --I'm sure of it. He triggers it. I need to leave for my own sanity, but I can't. I guess I'm afraid. I never was much cop on my own!