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 26 to 49 of about 75.
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hollydk - 101 days ago.
Ive been suffering from bipolar disorder and pstd for as long as i can remember im only 23 and i am pregnant with my 3 child... im under sooo much stress and the anxiety and depression is kickin my Butt!!!! I know i should say something to the doctor , however everytime i say anything about anything it seems that he gets ill...And actually told me,'I cant Fix everything with pregnancy , if you have contractions i can help, but other than that...Unless its a serious issue i cant fix it.' So it has hendered my descion to say anything, i also suffer from a broken pelvic bone and thats how that conversation came about, so that has me really down aswell, but i am really worried how this will affect my baby and myself.....i try sooo hard everyday to take a step back...breath...and take 5 but its not helping at all!!!and the panic attacks are NUTS..do they affect the baby??? does anyone know...is she goin to be high strung too??? i feel like i am hurting her ... and myself by not be able to help this...im 30 weeks and i feel like even though im in my third trimester i am still goin to affect her future

Megan20 - 108 days ago.
i know depression is very dangerous to have during your pregnancy, my mom suffered from it during and after her pregnancy. and my sister had a bowel movemnt while still inside my mom. they both almost died. My sister now has ADHD ODD and severe anxiety. its a mouthful. and we all have a feelign its due to the fact that my mom had depression while pregnant. I have a question though....... i dont have depression. but i live with my boyfriend and his father. His father has depression, hes been going through a lot lately and both my boyfriend and i agree that he is depressed. I was just wondering if this depression that he has can rub off on me in some way, shape or form? it is kinda annoying bcus he will say 'hey, hows it going?' and i will say 'good, you?' and he will go 'UGGGHH..... MMMEEHHG!' it actually brings me down and i am tired of hearing it. we dont raelly communicate with him bcus of it... he is a very stubborn and impossible man. FEEEWF!! he stresses me out. lol

xXxEXPLOxXx - 124 days ago.
I've suffered from depression on and off since 13, and I can safely tell you that, although my depression seems to have disappeared with pregnancy, I am terrified of getting post-natal depression. My midwife told me that depressives have an increased chance of getting it. However, due to my current emotions, she thinks there's nothing to worry about. For all of you that are struggling with depressive emotions, talk to your midwife or doctor about your emotions --babies are hard work, and there's no guarentee babies will 'cure' your depression, like my friend thought.

dannie89 - 124 days ago.
hi all i wouldnt normal do this but dont want to say nothing at the doctors. iv been suffering with depression since i was about 13 due events that had happen in my life i only got put on medication last year but stopped it as i felt weak and the thought of having to take a tablet every day to make me feel better just made me feel worse . im now in my 22 week of pregnancy and starting to feel really down again but really dont want to go back on medication and was wondering if any one had sum tips to give me a boost to make me feel a bit better please right back any one or even right on my profile ty xx danniexx

aug12baby - 124 days ago.
with my pregnancy i am horny all the time.. and my fiancee is not... we are opposit from when we started. i did not want it all the time and he did now i want it and he dont...

Bri - 124 days ago.
tarste - Definately normal. You know you hear about how horny pregnant women are but that isn't all of us. Some of us absolutely can't stand the thought of sex during pregnancy. Not just in the first trimester while we're sick but the entire time. Last time I was pregnant we tried once and I hated it and didn't do it again until after birth. This time we haven't even tried to have sex. I just don't feel in the mood. If I'm in bed I want to sleep and even that's hard sometime. Last thing I was to do is sex. I'm busy throughout the day with a 21month old, why would I want to spend my alone/quiet time having sex. It's normal.

tarste - 124 days ago.
Hi ladies, this feels weird to write down as I havent even voiced it to anyone. I'm not sure if i have depression or am just feeling hormonal. My son is 18mths old and the best thing thats ever happened to me, he is the light of my life and he's such a good boy. my problem is my feelings towards my husband!, we been married for 5yrs, together for 8yrs, our relationship has always been somewhat fairtale like, almost perfect! I am 16wks pregnant now and i dont want to be touched, my sex drive is zero!! he wants to cuddle every night, kiss, he really is doing everything perfect, its not his fault but i just want to be left alone! is this normal?

trishdish - 126 days ago.
You should definitely talk to your dr. They will be able to give you some advice on what to do. You don't want to feel this way throughout. I have been the same way as yourself, and decided to stop my pills as soon as I found out. I had a rough couple of months, but it has gotten better...a lot better! Just talk to your dr and see what they suggest! Best of luck to you!

jendrake - 126 days ago.
i need help but i feel like i cant talk to my partner as he does not under stand pregnancy or depression. Any way i have always has depression since i was 17 years old and am 22 now. But when i was takeing my tabs i felt better in myself and like everthing was looking up and i want to try for my second child but now am 7 weeks pregnant and am off my tablet i feel different in my self and i feel like i have made a the wrong choice. but i dont know if its just my hormones.

grace85 - 128 days ago.
i will try writing it down and getting the thougts outta my head at leaste there out in the open then and its a coping method!!! Lets hope as the pregnancy progresses (13 weeks and 4days so far, so still early days) things will get easier!! same here if anyone would like to chat, i'm here!! take care all!

Bri - 132 days ago.
Ditto ladies!! My son is 20months and this was a planned pregnancy. I never had 'bad' thoughts while pregnant last time but there is just so much going through my head this time around. It's hard cause there really isn't anyone to talk to about these feelings. I do love this child (almost 16weeks) but I'm also feeling like I shouldn't be doing this again. It's crazy and frustrating. It's also summer outside when I should be wanting to run after my son in the park and pool but I just want to sit and watch TV. We do the errands that we need to do and I'll take him outside but it's getting harder to entertain the wild man. Then I think, 'and I'm going to do this with a newborn!' I just don't thave the energy and having depressed thoughts. I also had anxiety and a bit of depression but that was over ten years ago. I didn't have depression with my son, nor did I have PPD. I guess everytime is different. Any of you want to talk I'm here. I do try to check online often. Good Luck ladies. I'll say with hope....things will get better.

dlaverty - 132 days ago.
grace....i know what you mean....my son is 15mths and im 21weeks pregnant. I sometimes find it hard to get up but i realise that if i dont get up to care for my son, no1 else will!! I find talking really helps or even writing things down xx

grace85 - 135 days ago.
oh i thought i was the only one who was having feelings like this, i thought i was such a bad person to feeling down and not wanting to face a day while being pregnanti should be happy and look forward to what is soon to be a really happy time! this is my 2nd pregnancy and on my 1st i never had any problems of depression or any post-natal depression afterwards, now 12 weeks pregnant on my 2nd i have been feeling really down and not my self at all, i can't get dressed or motivated at all and just seem to cry and be over sensitive! i fear that i am going backwards, i suffered with depression a few years back and was suicidal after 2 years of treatment and help i overcame this and my life has been great with no set backs..... i'm worried now as to how this is going to affect me after the baby is born, or is it just a faze of pregnancy that will pass in time? i make as much effort as i can because i have a 14 month old son so i have to be there and entertain him as much as i can but its so hard some days, i'm afraid to share how i'm feeling with ppl because i don't want them worrying!

promisedbygod - 142 days ago.
Me too.

xNatiex - 143 days ago.
:(

dlaverty - 152 days ago.
hi everyone, ive suffered from depression for years, suffered quite badly with post natal depression and im now struggling in this pregnancy. I am not on my anti depressents anymore (didnt want to take them while pregnant) I am having a lot of relationship problems which doesnt help but i have found some things that help. I just want to give some advice to some.....i know it seems like nothing will ever get better and sometimes you feel that people would be better off without you but please dont believe that. You are a beautiful person, loved and surrounded by family and friends (plus some from this site!) I find that conselling helps, it saved my life and i still continue to go to this day. Please dont bottle up your feelings so you are not 'bothering' anyone....it is so important that you talk to someone. Sometimes even writing things down help, you should see my profile lol! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, i promise. Feel free to talk to me xxxx

sparky - 153 days ago.
I have been taking Lexapro for the last year. My doctor said it would hurt my changes of TTC but now I'm wondering. It's been 3 1/2 years and still no luck.

kebler98 - 153 days ago.
Randy I wish i could give you some good advice but I don't know what to say. I was horrible to my hubby while I was pregnant, thankfully he stuck with me. (He knew that my pregnancy would only last 10 months and I would be normal again.) I guess that I could say... it will be over eventually.... Sorry and just try to be as understanding as possible.

Randy 123 - 153 days ago.
I am struggling with my girlfriend im trying to keep her happy but I think she is suffering from depression She doesnt really want anything to do with me right now she still tells me she loves me everyday but I cant understand why she doesnt want me around or me to help with anything. I need help on how to talk to her without upsetting her I love her very much and want to make this work

youngmama - 158 days ago.
omg....you cannot let him get away with that. I know this is a really hard time in your life and you need him but it is best for you and your baby to get out fast. Maybe once the baby is born he will come to his sense but until then you can't let him think that you're a doormat. If you start letting him get away with things like cheating now, it will only get worse. When you give them an inch they they take a mile. Although it will be hard you have to put your foot down now or you're setting yourself up for a lifetime of hurt. Once the baby is born he may want to smarten up and you can decide then whether or not you think he deserves another chance, but for now, unacceptable.

jenakatessa - 158 days ago.
ok heres my story....i have been with my partner for 4 years....i love him so much, hes always been pretty good to me, we have been through alot togehter. The one thing i always trusted in him was to be faithfull......well....im not sure what has possessed him to make such horrible choices lately but i found out a couple weeks ago that he cheated on me with a teenage girl, I am 25, and he is 21. He was drunk, and denys the whole thing. I heard it from her, and from others, so i know that it is true and im very sadd about this. She told me that they ALSO didnt use protection. I Found all of this out AFTER i was already intimiate with him from his night out on the town. Im afraid i may have an std. I went to my doctors today, and i asked for a pap but they just told me to watch closer for side affects and then they will check me out. This is really stressing me out. NOT TO MENTOIN last thursday we went to our home town again to visit mutual friends, only for him to TAKE OFF on me with his besty drinking buddy and SLEEP and the SAME GIRLS HOUSE 4 nights in a row...she is dating his drinking buddy..but his drinking buddy is a huge loser that could care less who has sex with his gf cuz hes using her....and hes a drunken crazy person.....so...im just wondering...should i just say see you later to the love of my life who has NEVER ACTED LIKE THIS...or should i just forget all this is happening and hope he changes when this baby come into this world....???? help..

ymmstartingover - 160 days ago.
I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (I was shot a coule years ago by a mugger). The PTSD causes severe depression and makes me suicidal. I went off all my meds when I found out I was pregnant and it has been REALLY hard. I have some days that are realy really hard, but I read that even taking medication that is safe while pregnant can cause they baby to be born addicted. My BF is NOT supportive at all, he wanted me to have an abortion, so he is not happy that I didn't. I told him I won't go after him for child support, but I could really use some emotional support right now. I just don't have any. That really makes the depression worse and not having anyone to talk to makes it harder. I have 4 other kids, aged 22, 19, 16, and 12. They don't know I get suicidal. Any advise? No, I don't want to tell my doctor because I don't want her to try to make me take the meds.

hannah8686 - 171 days ago.
HI, Im a Bi-polar sufferer and am on the following medications Carbomazepine 1200mg, Venlafaxine 225mg and Sequercol 400mg a day. I now have to cut down to the minimum of all my medications whilst pregnant as they are classed as risk c and d?? whatever that means. im worried about becoming more depresed, this pregnancy was not planned and my b/f left me 4 weeks ago so i am by myself.x

*AMANDA* - 187 days ago.
hey girls, my hubby and i are ttc. growin up i had problems with depression and after i had my daughter it came back. now that we are ttc, i have been taking celexa for about a year and i want to continue to take it during this pregnancy, however, i am scared if it will hurt the baby..... i googled it and everything was mixed. what do you guys think???

apple3 - 192 days ago.
well at least i am not the only one...... i am Bi Polar but i try to hide it from everyone and don't like taking the medication because it makes me feel like a zombie. i dont think i am servely depressed i dont have thoughts of suicide or anything but i feel sad and lonely even though i have my daughter and my sister and brother in law and dad and son and boyfirend with ADD!!! i just feel like bummed... and i hate it.