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Depression And Pregnancy: The Causes, Signs And Possible Help Available

17 December 2015

Edward Payne

From crippling morning sickness to heartburn that sends you running for the antacids, when it comes to pregnancy, there are many symptoms that women expect. However, there is one other pregnancy-related issue that many women suffer through in silence: depression. According to What to Expect, an estimated 14 to 23 percent of all women deal with depression during pregnancy, and this depression is also often accompanied by anxiety. Here is some valuable information about pregnancy-related depression, including what you can do to start feeling better:

Causes of Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy isn't rare and there are several reasons why a woman might be battling this issue. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you may be struggling with pregnancy while expecting a baby:

• A Past History of Depression – According to Baby Center, women who have suffered with pregnancy in the past or have a family history of anxiety and depression are more likely to deal with this common issue while pregnant.
• Stress Outside of Your Pregnancy – Stress that has nothing to do with your pregnancy can often cause feelings of anxiety and depression. This includes a job loss, divorce or death in the family.
• Hormonal Changes – The hormonal fluctuations that naturally occur during pregnancy can leave a woman feeling great for days or weeks, and depressed or anxious for several days or weeks at a time.
• Rough Pregnancy Symptoms – It is not uncommon for women to suffer from extreme symptoms during pregnancy. If a woman has an underlying medical condition that is exacerbated by the pregnancy or if she is suffering from severe nausea, exhaustion or pain, it can lead to pregnancy-related depression.

Signs of Depression During Pregnancy

It is not uncommon for women to feel a little run down or sad during pregnancy. However, according to American Pregnancy, if a pregnant woman suffers from a combination of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, depression could be the issue:

• Problems concentrating
• A deep feeling or sadness that won't go away
• Persistent thoughts about death, suicide or self-harm or harming the baby
• A lack of interest in ideas and activities that used to bring the patient joy or excitement
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits

For many women, pregnancy-related depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand. Here are a few of the symptom commonly associated with anxiety during pregnancy:

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Nausea
• Tingling in your feet and hands
• Problems staying still or remaining calm
• Muscle aches and tension

Treatments

If you're struggling with depression during pregnancy, it is time to stop suffering and start enjoying this beautiful experience. The best place to start is by recognizing you have depression and seeking help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health counselor about your depression to learn about some of the best options available.

For example, your doctor or counselor might recommend exercising or spending more time out of the house. If you are in the midst of a major life change, such as a move or separation, your doctor or therapist might recommend putting any plans on hold until after you have the baby.

Finally, there are several medications available that can help a pregnant woman deal with his feelings of depression or anxiety. Ask your doctor or therapist if these medications are the right choice for you.

Feelings of depression and anxiety during pregnancy are completely natural. If you are struggling with the symptoms of pregnancy-related anxiety and depression, don't spend another minute suffering and instead, work with your doctor or counselor to find ways to help you feel better!

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