The experience of pregnancy and subsequent mothering represents a transition in the life of a woman. Many women are able to cope with pregnancy through support from various resources such as prenatal classes, public health nurses, and routine medical care.

However, emotional difficulties, specifically mood changes, may be frequently encountered during pregnancy. These changes include increased irritability and sensitivity, tearfulness, insomnia, loss of appetite, lack of motivation, crying spells, anxiety attacks, and occasionally thoughts of suicide. Proper treatment is important.

Depression Symptoms

You may be experiencing some of these symptoms:

    * depressed mood/sadness
    * disturbed sleep
    * a change in appetite
    * guilty ruminations
    * excessive worries about your own or your baby's health
    * panic attacks with heart palpitations and shortness of breath
    * recurrent obsessions or ritualistic behaviors that significantly interfere with your ability to carry out your daily activities.
    * thoughts of death or suicide

What Can Happen with Untreated Depression

   1. Untreated depression may interfere with your ability to enjoy your pregnancy. Early bonding with your baby may be hindered which may lead to long term consequences for you and your baby.
   2. Symptoms may interfere with your ability to work or carry out your daily activities. Self care, including medical care, may be neglected.
   3. In desperation, some women may turn to alcohol and drugs, which can severely compromise the mother and unborn child.
   4. In severe cases, women may contemplate self harm or even suicide to cope with their depressive symptomatology.

If you are feeling depressed, talk with your doctor about medical treatments that may help.