Pregnancy depression

If you are pregnant, you may already know all about postpartum depression (also known as postnatal depression), which can occur after the birth of a child. However, depression is not uncommon during pregnancy either. Pregnancy is accompanied by hormonal changes that affect brain chemistry in a way that can cause anxiety and depression during pregnancy. According to AOK Saxony-Anhalt, around 12 % of pregnant women are affected by so-called prenatal depression.

Risk factors for prenatal depression

Since we have established that depression is quite common during pregnancy, we should now discuss who is more susceptible to it. Just as every woman experiences pregnancy differently, not every woman will be prone to depressive episodes during pregnancy.

In general, your risk of prenatal depression is higher if you have had some of the following experiences:

• You have experienced depression or a depressive episode in the past.
• You have struggled with anxiety or are still struggling with it.
• You lack support from people close to you.
• Your pregnancy is unplanned and does not fit into your life plan.
• You are going through a traumatic or difficult time in your life, such as a divorce.
• You are affected by domestic violence.

However, this does not mean that every woman who suffers from postnatal depression must have had one of these experiences. Sometimes, prenatal depression can develop even under the best circumstances.

Since pregnancy is a very emotional state, we will now try to classify the symptoms of depression.

The most common signs of pregnancy depression

First of all, the symptoms of prenatal depression are the same as those that can generally occur with depression:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sleep disturbances and reduced energy
• Changes in appetite and libido
• Physical pain, e.g. headaches or stomach aches

There are also some more specific indicators of depression during pregnancy:

• Low self-esteem or self-doubt regarding future parenthood
• Lack of anticipation or connection with the unborn baby
• Thoughts or fears of harming oneself or the unborn baby
• A desire to drink alcohol, smoke or even take drugs despite being pregnant

In severe cases, even thoughts of suicide or self-harm

While it is not always possible to prevent depression during pregnancy, there are steps you can take during your pregnancy to reduce your risk.

Professional help

Pregnant women who are experiencing symptoms of depression should seek professional help. Treatment may include counselling, psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all three.

Doctors or therapists can help you decide which form of treatment is best for you and your baby. When considering medication, it is essential to clarify and weigh up the possible risks to your unborn baby.

Regarding possible psychotherapeutic treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in both pregnant women and mothers suffering from postpartum depression after giving birth.

Self-help

In addition to seeking professional help, there are several self-help strategies you can use during pregnancy if you feel overwhelmed by negative feelings:

• Contact close friends and family: Having someone you trust nearby can provide emotional support during difficult times.
• Practise mindfulness: Focusing your attention on the present moment without judgement helps to bring your awareness back into balance.
• Be active: Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally lift your mood.
• Get creative: Creative activities such as writing poetry or painting have proven helpful in dealing with negative feelings.
• Take breaks: Take time out from your daily responsibilities to gain some much-needed distance from your worries.
• Seek additional resources: Talking to a professional who has experience in treating mental health issues during pregnancy can also be invaluable!

Depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, but it is highly treatable if both the expectant mother and her healthcare providers take the right steps early on!