Pregnancy and Depression

Unfortunately, pregnancy and depression sometimes go hand in hand. It is not completely uncommon for women to experience pregnancy and depression together. There are many reasons that the two conditions might coincide and understanding them is part of the solution for coping with them. Pregnancy and depression can result from many different life situations and pregnancy and depression can be a result of chemical changes. Under both circumstances depression during and after pregnancy can be treated and should never be ignored.

Pregnancy and depression are not necessarily the normal condition and it is not even expected by either the pregnant woman or her health care provider, but the possibility is always there and therefore certain questions should be asked on a regular basis by the health care provider and a pregnant or post natal woman should be made aware of certain symptoms in case she is experiencing pregnancy and depression or depression after pregnancy.

Some of the symptoms of depression either during or after pregnancy (and these symptoms are similar at other times as well) inability to sleep, sleeping too much. crying without understood cause, lack of energy, disinterest in performing activities, lack of interest in baby or inability to care for or bond with baby, thoughts of self harm, extreme mood swings and feelings of guilt or lack of self worth. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that talking about these things can help and that there are safe medications that can be utilized to help bring a woman out of her depression. Often depression after pregnancy will disappear as hormone levels regain normal and stable levels, but in the meantime, a new mother who is depressed is not something to be ignored.

Depression during pregnancy, again can be a result of sudden hormone changes, but there are life stressors that that can impact a pregnant women in a very negative way, resulting in depression. Pregnancy and depression can result from relationship problems, lack of family support, financial worries, overburdening due to responsibilities for other children and/or work, and the loss of a loved one. It is amazing how often women who are pregnant experience such a loss during pregnancy and it is certainly reason enough to have this result in pregnancy and depression occurring at the same time.

Actually, these same situations can be causes for depression after pregnancy as well. A new mother going home to other young, demanding children and not having the support of a partner or finding herself without the means to take care of all her children are certainly reason enough to become depressed. This is not abnormal. The important thing is for a woman to know there are resources in her community, if not in her family and circle of friends to help her deal with both the issues and the depression.

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