Depression in Pregnancy
Do You Think you have Depression in Pregnancy?
Having
a baby growing inside you is like being a part of a real-life miracle.
This fact and the increasing levels of hormones (progesterone and oestrogens) are usually causing an euphoric, happy state rather than depression. Real depression during pregnancy is quite rare, emotional mood swings are more common.
Most of pregnant women feel high up emotionally and say, that pregnancy was the best time in their life ever. However, some women may also be affected by depression in pregnancy - roughly 1 in 10 women are reported to suffer from symptoms of depression half way through their pregnancy. Hormonal changes, as well as the stress of an imminent major life change, are probably factors involved in "antenatal" depression.
But, often in the beginning or in the end of the pregnancy worrying and sadness may occur, depending of your circumstances. Common are quick mood changes, emotional ups and downs, but real major depression is uncommon.
In contrast, during the middle period of pregnancy (from about the third to the sixth month) women are brimming with energy, vitality and wellbeing. Fatigue is a periodic problem especially during the first three months of pregnancy and the last six to eight weeks. Its extent may take you by surprise - it is the kind of tiredness that makes you feel you do not even have the energy to blink, but just stare straight ahead. You can be very sleepy in the early stages of pregnancy you feel like sedated.
Lately I have been feeling really depressed. For some reason the past few days I have been thinking a lot about how I almost got an abortion, and how maybe I should have. It feels wrong to think it because I love this baby. But I also feel like by having it something could go wrong.Anonymous, Internet
Later on in pregnancy you are tired, because your whole body is working flat out 24 hours a day and you are having to carry extra weight around that puts a strain on your heart, lungs and muscles. But, all this tiredness and sleepiness are not at all pregnancy depression.
Depression is more common after delivery - postpartum
depression.
However,
some women may also be affected during their pregnancy - roughly 1 in
10 women are reported to suffer from symptoms of depression in pregnancy, half way
through their pregnancy.
Hormonal changes, as well as the stress of an
imminent major life change, are probably factors involved in
“antenatal” depression. If you are unsure, test yourself.
Many of the problems that can contribute to
postnatal depression also apply at this earlier stage - strain on the
relationship with the baby's father, financial concerns and less
freedom to do previously enjoyable activities, for example.
In many cases, depression which has been experienced during pregnancy
will resolve spontaneously once the baby is born.
Do you have your own experiences about depression in pregnancy?
Could you find anything which works for you?
Why not
share with fellow sufferers? Share your story about depression in pregnancy...
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