While most people have heard of postpartum depression, not many are aware of its lesser-known counterpart: prenatal depression. Prenatal depression is a type of depression that expectant mothers may experience during pregnancy. In addition to feelings of sadness, women with prenatal depression may also struggle with anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and changes in their sleeping and eating habits.
It's important to bring attention to prenatal depression, as many expecting mothers may not even be aware that it exists. Although there isn't a single cause of prenatal depression, it's crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms so that expectant mothers can receive the necessary treatment.
The following are some common symptoms of prenatal depression, which may differ for each expectant mother:
Feelings of sadness
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
Guilt
Changes in sleeping and eating habits
Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Anxious thoughts and excessive worry
Anger
Isolation
Participation in unsafe prenatal activities, such as smoking, drinking, and drug use
Thoughts of suicide
Untreated prenatal depression can negatively impact the healthy development of a baby. While several factors play a role in a baby's growth and well-being, experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above can have unintended consequences. For instance, depression may cause a person to miss prenatal appointments or adopt unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, untreated prenatal depression raises the chances of developing postpartum depression.
The most effective way to address prenatal depression is to seek care. Talk therapy, medication, exercise, joining support groups, self-care, and communication are some common treatment options available for expectant mothers. Seeking help and addressing prenatal depression not only benefits the mother but also the healthy development of the baby.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Prenatal depression. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22984-prenatal-depression
Wisner, W. (2022). What is prenatal or perinatal depression?. VeryWellFamily. https://www.verywellfamily.com/prenatal-depression-4846439