Pregnancy Depression
Depression occurs in one out of four women, so it stands to reason that pregnancy depression is found in one or two out of every ten pregnant women. It is normal for a pregnant woman to experience bouts of "baby blues" both during pregnancy and after giving birth. Pregnancy depression, however, is much more severe and longer lasting and may have incapacitating effects.
Even though many think of depression as an emotional infirmity, it is not. Depression is a brain disorder in which the symptoms affect the emotions and mood, among other things. Depression is caused by a combination of biological, chemical, hormonal and physiological factors.
Since pregnancy involves an upheaval of hormones, modifications in biochemistry and extravagant physical changes, it is no surprise that bouts of depression are common in pregnant women. Pregnancy depression can occur during the pregnancy as antepartum depression, but it is most frequently seen after giving birth, as postpartum depression.
The symptoms of pregnancy depression are similar to the signs of depression in someone who is not pregnant:
• Anxiety A woman who is expecting a baby will likely feel anxious about a lot of things, but a pregnant woman who has depression experiences an overwhelming sense of anxiety that cannot be shaken and is often unfounded.
• Apathy A woman who recently gave birth and shows little or no interest in the baby, or anything else, for an extended period of time may be suffering from postpartum depression. Most new Moms can't get enough of their little ones, so this is an extremely unusual situation.
• Appetite Everyone knows that pregnancy means cravings and other changes in appetite, so it is hard to tell when altered eating habits are a sign of pregnancy depression. The important thing is to recognize this as a possible symptom of pregnancy depression.
• Concentration More specifically, this is the inability to concentrate, focus or make a decision.
• Guilt It is common for a depressed person to experience guilt about the way they feel. This can be due to the social stigma attached to depression combined with the mental state of a depressed person. During pregnancy or right after giving birth, guilty feelings can stem from unworthiness and thoughts of being an unfit mother.
• Sadness Most pregnant women are thrilled about their condition, so sadness is not an emotion commonly associated with pregnancy. Although it is normal to have hormonal days where crying just happens, it is not normal to encounter a pervasive and persistent sadness that persists for more than two weeks.
• Sleep Both pregnancy and a new baby will throw off sleeping patterns, most frequently resulting in lack of sleep. Again, this is one of the symptoms that is common to pregnancy and may not be an indication of depression at all. It's just a good idea to know that sleep interference can be associated with pregnancy depression.
• Suicide Recurring thoughts of death or suicide are a major sign of depression. When preparing to give birth, it is unhealthy for a woman to be consumed with thoughts about death or suicide. Any suicidal behavior experienced during pregnancy or after giving birth must be addressed immediately.