Postpartum depression gets a great deal of attention from doctors, the media, and in parenting groups for new mothers. For many women, however, the depression doesn't begin with the birth of a new baby. Antepartum depression, depression during pregnancy and before birth, is a serious problem for many expectant mothers. It's important to recognize antepartum depression for the health of both mom and baby.
What is antepartum depression?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, antepartum depression is defined as a mood disorder that involves a combination of changes to brain chemistry and external life factors. It is similar to clinical depression, though it is either brought on by or occurring during pregnancy.
How can I recognize antepartum depression?
Signs of clinical depression can be a dead giveaway when trying to recognize antepartum depression. According to Help Guide's Understanding Depression, some signs of clinical depression include too much or too little sleep, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, an inability to control negative thoughts, loss or dramatic increase in appetite, easily and constantly irritated, or easily enraged, or thoughts that your life is not worth living or that you are considering suicide. If you are experiencing these symptoms of depression during your pregnancy, you should discuss them with your midwife or obstetrician.
In addition to recognizing antepartum depression yourself, it can be important to get information from friends and family. Both my sister and my husband recognized that I was suffering from mild antepartum depression before I did--I attributed my condition to pregnancy hormones. Discussing any drastic and ongoing changes to personality like those seen in patients with clinical depression should be discussed with your caregiver.
How can I deal with antepartum depression?
What is antepartum depression?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, antepartum depression is defined as a mood disorder that involves a combination of changes to brain chemistry and external life factors. It is similar to clinical depression, though it is either brought on by or occurring during pregnancy.
How can I recognize antepartum depression?
Signs of clinical depression can be a dead giveaway when trying to recognize antepartum depression. According to Help Guide's Understanding Depression, some signs of clinical depression include too much or too little sleep, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, an inability to control negative thoughts, loss or dramatic increase in appetite, easily and constantly irritated, or easily enraged, or thoughts that your life is not worth living or that you are considering suicide. If you are experiencing these symptoms of depression during your pregnancy, you should discuss them with your midwife or obstetrician.
In addition to recognizing antepartum depression yourself, it can be important to get information from friends and family. Both my sister and my husband recognized that I was suffering from mild antepartum depression before I did--I attributed my condition to pregnancy hormones. Discussing any drastic and ongoing changes to personality like those seen in patients with clinical depression should be discussed with your caregiver.
How can I deal with antepartum depression?
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