How to Recognize the Symptoms Antepartum Depression

Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time for mothers to be, isn't it? Well yes but it may come as a surprise to many people that the period before childbirth can be full of gloom and sorrow for some pregnant women. It is estimated that 10-20 percent of pregnant women suffer from a condition known as antepartum depression or the kind of depression that pregnant women suffer from before the baby is born.

This is not to say that most women normally don't go through the ups and downs of pregnancy and many women become more sensitive and weepy during pregnancy. But antepartum depression is something more serious than bursting into tears over a TV show. In extreme cases women suffering from it may even consider committing suicide. Unfortunately unlike postpartum depression antepartum depression is usually overlooked both by doctors and family members. In most cases doctors fail to detect it unless the patient talks about it.

I was a victim of antepartum depression during the later part of my first pregnancy. As I had never suffered from any kind of depression I failed to recognize it and therefore I never talked about it to my doctor during my regular visits. I used to suffer alone and didn't discuss about it with my husband who is a very understanding person. He was so happy about the baby's arrival, that I didn't want to trouble him and spoil the fun for him. I used to feel very depressed when I was alone at home.

Then one day while I was reading and article about problems during pregnancy that I first learnt about antepartum depression. I took it upon myself to read all about it online and I even found many forum postings where women had shared their experiences. After reading up all about antepartum depression I decided to take action. I discussed the matter with my doctor who after asking me some standard depression questions referred me to a therapist. I was in therapy for some time and I was also prescribed Prozac. Both the therapy and an understanding husband helped me to come out of it unscathed.

During my research into the antepartum depression facts, I learned a few things that can help others like me to deal with it effectively. Although most women go through the normal ups and downs of pregnancy there a few symptoms that can be taken as indicators of antepartum depression if they suffer from them for more than 2 weeks continuously. These symptoms are feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, weight gain or loss that is significant, changing sleep pattern, long periods of sorrow or sadness, suicidal thoughts, lack of focus or concentration, excessive feelings of fatigue and a general loss of interest and motivation especially in favorite things.

Antepartum depression if left untreated will most likely lead to post partum depression. Both these conditions are detrimental to the physical and mental health of both mother and child. Also antepartum depression may lead to premature delivery and low birth weight of the newborn. The bonding between mother and baby may be affected adversely if the condition is left untreated and it may lead to the development of behavorial and emotional disorders in the infant in later years. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to recognize and seek treatment for antepartum depression.