According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 14 to 23 percent of pregnant women will experience depression during their pregnancy. The symptoms of depression during pregnancy can be difficult to recognize because they can be confused with some of the physical and emotional side effects associated with a normal pregnancy. Depression during pregnancy puts the pregnant mother and newborn at risk of health problems, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact your health care provider for help.
Physical Symptoms
Depression can cause a number of physical symptoms during pregnancy. Some of these symptoms may also be common side effects of pregnancy, so a woman might overlook them as being normal. For this reason, it is best to report your symptoms to your doctor so that she can assess and diagnose the underlying cause. Physical symptoms of depression during pregnancy can include fatigue, sluggishness or slowed body movements, antsy feelings and agitation, and sleep disturbances that include hypersomnia (sleeping too much), insomnia (not sleeping enough) or having trouble falling or staying asleep. Changes in appetite are also common. Depressed pregnant women may not eat well and may gain less weight than the average amount expected to be gained during a pregnancy. Conversely, women may find themselves eating much more than is considered typical. Depression may also manifest itself in unexplained body aches and pains. Pregnant women may have headaches, stomach problems or other nagging health issues that cannot be attributed to the pregnancy.
Pregnant women who are depressed are more likely to have physical complications during their pregnancy, including nausea, vomiting and preeclampsia. Pregnant women suffering from depression are also more likely to use alcohol, drugs, and nicotine, and are less likely to receive prenatal care, putting themselves and their unborn child at risk of other health problems.
Emotional Symptoms
Like the physical symptoms of depression, a pregnant woman's emotional symptoms may be ignored or misdiagnosed because they are confused with the symptoms of pregnancy. While hormonal changes and fears about impending motherhood can result in perfectly normal feelings of occasional sadness, worry and self-doubt, the emotional symptoms of depression are more pervasive, long-lasting and have a great impact on the pregnant woman's daily life. Women who are depressed during their pregnancy experience feelings of persistent sadness, emptiness, worthlessness and self-loathing. They may feel hopeless about the future and helpless in finding a solution to their problems. Depressed pregnant women may also cry excessively and lose the ability to feel pleasure in their daily activities. A serious emotional symptom of depression during pregnancy is suicidal thoughts. Women may begin to experience frequent thoughts about killing themselves or engaging in other self-harm behaviors.
Mental Symptoms
Depression is thought to be caused by a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. This chemical imbalance decreases blood flow to the brain and can begin to effect mental processes. Women who are depressed during their pregnancy may find it very difficult to concentrate and pay attention to work or other tasks. They may begin to experience memory problems and have a hard time making decisions, organizing their thoughts and planning ahead. Depression can also cause the pregnant women to focus selectively on negative memories. It may appear as though she has memory loss for positive events as she focuses her attention almost exclusively on negative things that, in turn, fuel her depression and make her feel even more sad and hopeless. While mental fatigue and memory and attention problems may also be side effects of the pregnancy, it is important not to ignore these symptoms. When symptoms persist and impair your everyday functioning, consult a mental health care professional for a complete assessment.
