Depression basically refers to a medical condition that tends to affect the individual’s mood, body and thought and influences the way a pregnant woman thinks about herself. Depression during pregnancy is mostly caused by the stress or strain that occurs on account of the increase in the hormone levels namely estrogen and progesterone hormones which results in mood swings in women during pregnancy. Those suffering from depression during pregnancy should take adequate medical help along with support from family and friends.


Pregnancy and depression are not a very safe combination as it tends to affect the health of both mother and child. Research has shown that babies whose mothers suffered from depression during pregnancy have trouble sleeping in their 18th month. The risks the mother and child are exposed to on account of depression during pregnancy are poor weight gain, suicide, use of alcohol and drugs, preeclampsia which is a type of high blood pressure known to occur during pregnancy and even result in unhealthy eating habits in the pregnant woman.


Precautions in pregnancy should be taken in case of depression in the mother as otherwise it may result in babies being more irritable, less attentive, less active and in some extreme cases may even result in a premature baby or a baby with low birth weight. The common symptoms of depression in pregnancy are excessive or inadequate sleeping, lack of energy, feeling of guilt, thoughts about suicide, sense of agitation or restlessness and so on. When suffering from depression in pregnancy treatment may involve the use of support groups or may even require the pregnant woman to go in for counseling or therapy with a psychotherapist or a social worker. The practice of self medication with anti depressants during pregnancy is highly risky and dangerous for both mother and child and should be avoided.

Some pregnant women are at a higher risk of suffering from depression which could be based on factors such as fertility treatments, difficulties in relationships, personal problems or anxiety, past history of depression, previous loss of pregnancy or even an unplanned pregnancy. Sometimes certain stressful events in one’s personal life such as relocating while being pregnant, switching jobs or even making plans to stay at home after having a long and successful career, may result in depression in pregnant women. One should always share their fears and worries with their partner, friends, family or even their doctor to control the symptoms of depression.