Depression during and after pregnancy

As many as one in four women will suffer from depression throughout their lifetime, and often will experience it during the childbearing years. Depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Pregnant women were once considered immune to depression; however, doctors now believe that pregnancy can actually trigger it. The physical and emotional changes a woman experiences during and after pregnancy, such as fatigue, weight gain and insomnia, can resemble symptoms associated with depression, and can go unrecognized and untreated. Deborah Kim, MD, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania Health System says, “If a woman is experiencing prolonged sadness, guilty feelings, hopelessness or low self-esteem, she may be suffering from depression. These symptoms can make it difficult to ask for help.”

Perinatal Depression

Depression that occurs during pregnancy is called perinatal depression. The following factors may increase a woman’s chance of depression during this time:

• History,of depression, mental illness or substance abuse
• Lack of support from family or friends
• Problems with a previous pregnancy or birth
• Marital or financial problems
• Young age

Depression during pregnancy can affect the weight of the baby and cause the baby to be delivered prematurely. Limited research suggests that women with perinatal depression improve when treated with therapy and/or medication prior to delivery. Many women may be concerned that treatment of depression with medication may be harmful to the fetus if taken during pregnancy, or that the baby may have symptoms from medication exposure after delivery. Sharon Young Byun, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, comments, “ The most recent reviews of medical treatment of depression have shown that the risks to the mother and baby from not receiving adequate antidepressant treatment outweigh the risks of harmful effects on the infant from medication.”

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year after childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels increase greatly; however, during the first 24 hours of childbirth, the amount of these hormones drops rapidly. This rapid change in hormone levels may trigger depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression include sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Postpartum depression seriously affects a woman’s well-being and keeps her from functioning properly.
A variety of factors can contribute to postpartum depression, including:

• Fatigue – Due to disrupted sleep patterns.
• Feeling read more