Depression in Pregnancy

Depression in Pregnancy (Antenatal Depression)

Many women feel sad, lonely or blue during pregnancy. If these feelings get worse and continue for a long time no matter what the woman does, she has what’s called depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression).

Depression during pregnancy can be helped with counseling and medicine, but depression will not go away by itself. If a woman does not ask for help for her depression, it can cause some problems that can harm her and her baby. Some of these problems include:

Not getting enough health care for the mother and her baby during pregnancy
Increased chance of early labour when the baby is not fully grown
Increased chance of having a baby with a low birth weight
Increased chance of having depression after the baby is born (post-partum depression)
Increased chance of poor bonding (attachment) between the mother and her baby

If you are feeling sad and lonely and think that you might be depressed, it is very important that you talk to your doctor, nurse or counselor about your feelings. You can get help and treatment.