Women experience depression during pregnancy due to the sudden increase in hormone levels that cause a change in brain chemistry. The symptoms and risks of depression are often associated with psychological thoughts.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 13 percent of women who are pregnant experience depression. Research states that depression that remains untreated during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia, poor weight gain, use of drugs and alcohol and even suicide, according to Modern Mom.
Previous research states that pregnancy hormones protect women from experiencing depression until after the birth of the baby. This also explains why more women experience post-partum depression when their hormones level plunge after giving birth.
However, a 2001 study of 9,000 pregnant women claimed that women become more vulnerable to depression during pregnancy due to the rapid increase in hormone levels. The study conducted at the University of Bristol claims that the increase in hormones may lead to a disrupted brain chemistry that causes depression.
Unfortunately, depression during pregnancy may go undiagnosed as many pregnant women mistake their feelings for temporary moodiness. Women who experience the symptoms of depression for more than two weeks should talk to a doctor about seeing a therapist.
Symptoms of depression while pregnant include mood swings, insomnia, lack of energy, difficulty in focusing, disordered eating, and feelings of sadness. In some cases, pregnant women would want to withdraw from family and friends due to the desire to be alone.
In many cases, depression may be linked to anxiety or the feeling of being nervous too often. Symptoms of anxiety include panic attacks and recurrent concerns about the baby's health. Possible triggers of depression during pregnancy include relationship problems, infertility treatments, stressful life events, complications during pregnancy, history of abuse or trauma, a previous pregnancy loss, or a personal history of being depressed.
Experiencing depression during pregnancy can increase a woman's risk for preterm labor. It may also lead to poor nutrition, developmental problems, low birth weight and suicidal behavior, according to American Pregnancy.
Typically, antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are used to treat depression during pregnancy. However, only doctor-approved medications must be used to avoid any complications.
