Pregnancy Depression

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. 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.

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 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 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.

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