Ask most women and they will tell you they've heard of postpartum depression. But up until recently, many people had not even considered the possiblility of depression during pregnancy.
The following are examples of prenatal depression in the news:
Breaking the silence on prenatal depression (Canadian Living)
Study probes often ignored prenatal depression (Canada.com)
The New Prenatal Exam: Are you blue? (The Globe and Mail)
Two studies: depression may impact infant's cortisol levels (OB/Gyn News)
Definition from Medscape (a division of WebMD)
"Depression During Pregnancy
Historically, pregnancy was considered protective for depression; now, however, studies indicate that the rates of major depression during pregnancy (10%-15%) are similar to rates in nonchildbearing women. A recent study reported that although rates of major depression do not rise during pregnancy, symptoms of psychological distress often increase during the second and third trimesters.[23] The identification of depression during pregnancy is important since it may affect birth weight and gestational age.[24] However, studies have been less conclusive about the relationship between birth weight and psychological distress during pregnancy.[25,26]
Studies of prospectively followed pregnant women have identified several risk factors for depression. One study reported that depressed mood was associated with primiparity, nausea, previous pregnancy termination, early parental loss, remarriage, smoking, use of medication during the pregnancy, and a poor marital relationship.[27] Another study reported that pregnant women who developed major depression were more likely than nonpregnant depressed women to have had the classic risk factors for depression (ie, low socioeconomic status, prior depression, prior alcoholism, poor social adjustment, little or no partner support, negative life events, and negative thoughts).[28] Elevated depression scores during pregnancy have been associated with chronic stressors, negative life events, and inadequate social support.[29]
The course of psychiatric disorders other than depression during pregnancy is now also an area of research inquiry. Reports suggest that the symptoms of panic disorder[30,31] and obsessive-compulsive disorder[32] may continue through pregnancy without significant change. These studies also suggest that anxiety disorders may present for the first time during the postpartum period. Little is known about the course of schizophrenia or bipolar illness during pregnancy; however, the postpartum period has clearly been identified as a time of increased risk for relapse of schizophrenia and bipolar illness.[33,34]"
Pregnancy can make you vulnerable to emotional swings, caused not only by hormones and physical change, but psychological change, too. Bouts of depression may increase during pregnancy. Much depends on what the emotional meaning of the pregnancy is for you, how you deal with your body image during this period, the state of your support system, and of course, how well you take care of yourself physically and emotionally, throughout the course of your pregnancy. Use these six tricks to help you during this monumental year.
1. Take a look inside. The psychological task of pregnancy is giving birth to a new identity as mother and woman. Finding a way to mother that includes things you want for yourself can help resolve depression in pregnancy, yielding a happier mother postpartum. Ask yourself these questions: How prepared are you for motherhood? What kind of parent do you think you will be? What are you looking forward to?
2. Explore your family history. Mother-daughter relationships, relationships with siblings and your marital relationship will all play parts in your psychological preparation for becoming a mother. Sometimes, treatment of postpartum depression has been termed "getting the ghosts out of the nursery."This refers to past childhood pain, which must be understood so that it is less likely to be projected onto the your relationship with your own child. Postpartum depression is often preceded by depression in pregnancy, in anticipation of the factors underlying the changes to come. Ask yourself these questions: What was/is your relationship like with your mother? How do you want to mother? Is this similar to the way you were mothered or different? What are your fears?
3. Take your needs seriously. This can help you anticipate your needs in motherhood. Take care of yourself by seeking support and anticipating your needs for help, whether it is with housework or issues related to family relationships that come up during pregnancy. Ask yourself these questions: What do you need yourself, in order to mother a child? What will you be giving up to have a child?
4. Pull together as a couple. Two key factors that contribute to depression following birth also affect pregnancy. Marital discord and unwanted pregnancy both contribute to stress in pregnant women. If couples do not pull together, there can be a postpartum crisis, with depression worsening. Ask yourself these questions: Do you feel supported by your husband? What kind of parent do you think your partner will be?
5. Do not be shy about getting professional help. Do not count on pregnancy hormones to take away depression that has been longstanding in your life. Becoming a mother is a much underestimated life change. Emotional support through this period of change for women is more often than not a deficit in their prenatal care. Counseling can be very important in helping you work through your depression.
6. Do not delay! Explore your inner landscape and talk with your partner about the changes a baby will bring to your lives. Be aware that this may require some soul-searching and discovery of your own childhood ghosts. Create the family that you want to have together."
Depression During and After Pregnancy - US Department of Health & Human Services
Motherisk 1(877) 327-4636 - Canada's expert on the safety of medications, infections, chemicals, personal products and everyday exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
PLEASE NOTE: All information expressed on the WOMB website and in our workshops, sessions, and/or consultations is to be used for informational purposes only. We are not providing medical advice as we are not licensed medical professionals. Therefore, we cannot be held liable for unforseen outcomes.