How to Recognize Antepartum Depression

Ups and downs, along with fatigue and irritability, can be normal during pregnancy as the body goes under many changes. However, about 20% of pregnant women suffer from something more serious, known as antepartum depression - which is simply depression during pregnancy. 10% of pregnant women experience really severe symptoms of depression.

Because signs of actual depression tend to be similar to regular pregnancy mood swings, recognizing depression in pregnant women tends to be neglected and not spoken of so much. But it's really important to acknowledge depression, especially if it's really severe, as it can be dangerous not only for the woman, but for the unborn child.

The reason why it can be dangerous is because those with a depressive disorder tend to feel less motivated or less caring when it comes to doing things and taking care of themselves as best as they should. For instance, if you have depression, you may have a complete lack of appetite, which can eventually lead to malnutrition - something that's even more of a danger during pregnancy.

Since symptoms of depression may be swept aside and confused with normal pregnancy hormone changes, some women may not even realize that they are really experiencing antepartum depression. But it really isn't too hard to distinguish it, as there are some telltale signs of depression.

Some of the most common signs of depression are constant fatigue or insomnia, changes in appetite whether eating more often or not enough, lack of motivation and loss of interest in things you normally like, concentration difficulties, persistent sadness, and/or thoughts of death and suicide. Some of those things can be a part of a normal pregnancy, especially sleeping pattern changes or changes in appetite. But if these things are very severe or added on to some of the other symptoms - especially if they last for two weeks or longer - then you probably have depression.

Once you recognize that you may be experiencing antepartum depression instead of normal mood swings, you should talk to your doctor right away - especially if it's so severe that you're having suicidal thoughts or feelings. Even if it hasn't become that bad, it doesn't hurt to seek help, as undergoing constant stress and anxiety isn't good during pregnancy, and the symptoms may get worse.

Your doctor can provide you with such treatment as support groups, individualized therapy, and (usually as a last resort and if your depression poses very strong risks to you and your child) possible medication.

Though seeking help professionally is recommended, you can also help yourself at home alongside it. If you have close friends or a spouse you can talk to, do so. Don't hold all your feelings in. Even if you don't know what is making you feel depressed, just talk about whatever is on your mind. In my own experience, it helped to free-write my thoughts whenever it felt especially bad. Even though I didn't know what I was going to write until I did it, when I was done I felt more relaxed.

Exercise is also a great therapy when it comes to depression. Even just walking around the neighborhood will help your body feel more active and motivated, as well as release endorphins that are like natural anti-depressants.

Whatever the case, if you even think you may have depression, it is not something you should have to "cope" with and you don't need to do it alone.