It is very common for expectant mothers to experience pregnancy depression.  Although it is meant to be a joyous time, it is believed that 1 out of 10 women experience pregnancy depression at some point of their pregnancy term.

For many years, experts believed that hormones protected women against pregnancy depression but now they believe that heightened hormone levels actually disrupt brain chemistry which can stimulate pregnancy depression.

Anxiety and pregnancy depression often goes undiagnosed since many women simply dismiss their feelings and assume they are just having a lapse of temporary moodiness.  If you feel like you are suffering from pregnancy depression, do not feel ashamed to talk to your doctor or your partner about it since your emotional health is as important as your physical health.

Risk Factors

Some women are just more susceptible to pregnancy depression than others.  Below are common risk factors associated with pregnancy depression.

  • Family or personal history of anxiety of depression.
  • Having difficulties in your relationship.
  • Extensive use of fertility treatments can leave you with emotional side effects for months and even years.
  • Previous lost pregnancy will often lead to stress and pregnancy depression.
  • Having a complicated or a high-risk pregnancy, especially one that requires a great deal of bed rest causes pregnancy depression.
  • Stressful life events such as relocation or financial worries.

Symptoms

There are a few common symptoms of pregnancy depression that you should familiarize yourself with.  Realizing that you are experiencing pregnancy depression will help you know when to ask for help.

  • Feeling like nothing is enjoyable anymore.
  • Feeling empty or sad for most of the day.
  • Having a hard time concentrating.
  • Extreme agitation or irritability.
  • Excessive crying.
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Never-ending fatigue.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Inappropriate feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt are all signs of pregnancy depression.

Your body goes through an unbelievable number of changes while it is caring for your growing baby.  Pregnancy depression is nothing to feel shy or embarrassed about.  It is very common and you may be surprised at just how much talking to someone about it can help.