Most people are familiar with, or at least have heard of, Postpartum Depression (PPD) now. This wasn’t the case when I first moved to the USA 17 years ago but there have been great strides in awareness and provision of resources for new moms in the past few years.
There is a growing body of research focusing on emotions during pregnancy now and this is good news for all the pregnant women who feel so alone for not enjoying their pregnancy the way they thought they would.
Studies are showing that approximately 15% of pregnant women experience depression. Research is also finding something that I have frequently seen in my clinical practice, pregnancy anxiety is just as common.
When anxiety and depression starts to interfere with your quality of life and day-to-day functioning it is called a mood disorder and we now know that pregnancy mood disorders (also known as antepartum or antenatal mood disorders depending on if you are in the US or UK) are nearly as widespread as postpartum ones (which effect about 20% of women in the first year after the baby’s birth).
I am frequently contacted by pregnant women who are feeling sad and/or anxious but they haven’t heard of antepartum mood disorders so they feel that they are the only one to go through this. I want to help increase awareness so women can feel less alone and also get help before the baby comes, as experiencing pregnancy anxiety & depression increases the risk of having postpartum anxiety and depression.
I was interviewed by pregnancyandchild.com and they have written a good article called The Truth About Depression During Pregnancy.
Please click the link to read it www.pregnancyandbaby.com/the-truth-about-depression-during-pregnancy
So What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy Depression?
Women with depression usually experience some of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more:
- Persistent sadness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy
- Recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Change in eating habits
Common Triggers
- Relationship problems
- Family or personal history of depression
- Infertility treatments
- Previous pregnancy loss
- Stressful life events
- Complications in pregnancy
- History of abuse or trauma
It is so important to reach out and ask for the support you need. Pregnancy and postpartum anxiety and depression are very treatable and the earlier you get the help you need the sooner you will start feeling yourself again.
As I was quoted in the article, “Pregnancy mood disorders are very treatable and it’s OK to accept support. With treatment, you’re going to feel a lot better soon and enjoy motherhood, rather than just hanging in there hoping you will survive.”
If you want to read more about maternal mental health download the FREE Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression. It is full of information about symptoms, different types of maternal mood disorders and advice about what to do to start feeling like yourself again.
Dr. Sarah Allen has 20+ years experience as a psychologist helping women transition to being the mom they want to be. She is also the Director of the Postpartum Depression Alliance of IL, a non-profit offering info and support to pregnant and postpartum moms and their families.
In her Northbrook office, in the North Suburbs of Chicago, or via telephone or online counseling she offers the most convenient way for you to access support and help.
If you have questions after reading this article or the Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression or have any questions about how counseling can be useful to your particular circumstances please contact me at 847 791-7722 or on the form below.