WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

What is Prenatal Depression?

What is Prenatal Depression?
Prenatal depression, also known as antenatal depression, is a type of mood disorder that occurs during pregnancy.
It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
Prenatal depression can affect pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy and can have significant effects on both the mother and the developing baby.
Symptoms of Prenatal Depression
Prenatal depression symptoms are similar to those of regular depression, but they occur during pregnancy.
Some common signs and symptoms of prenatal depression include:
  • Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Feeling fatigued or lacking energy
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Causes of Prenatal Depression
The exact causes of prenatal depression are not fully understood, but it is likely influenced by a combination of physical, emotional, and hormonal factors.
Some potential causes include:
  • Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy can impact brain chemistry and contribute to mood swings and depression.
  • Past mental health issues: Women with a history of depression or anxiety may be at a higher risk of developing prenatal depression.
  • Stress and life changes: Pregnancy often brings significant life changes and stress, which can trigger or exacerbate depression.
  • Lack of social support: Feeling isolated or unsupported during pregnancy can contribute to feelings of depression.
  • Complications during pregnancy: Women facing high-risk pregnancies or experiencing pregnancy-related complications may be more susceptible to depression.
Seeking Support and Treatment
If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing prenatal depression, it is essential to seek support and treatment.
Prenatal depression can have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby's well-being, so early intervention is crucial.
Treatment options may include therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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seymone
19 Jun 2023

Anyone else feeling like they are experiencing Prenatal Depression?? I know I’m blessed to be carrying this baby but i somehow feel uncertainty and sadness…

10 comments
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Morgan
Same, you are not alone
27 Mar 2024

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Marie
Girl me. It's almost like confusion like...your so happy but you not and you feel guilty for feeling bad for not being overjoyed
27 Mar 2024

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Jenna
13 Jun 2023

Anyone else going through prenatal depression ? I cried ALL day today. I’m just so beyond sad and I don’t understand why. Already having clinical depression and now prenatal depression is taking a toll on me. :(

7 comments
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Brianna
I full on had a depressive break that turned into a anxiety attack last night these hormones are no joke i was so mad all day then bam hardcore depressed :/
27 Mar 2024

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Brittany
Me! I’m on Zoloft now and it helps big time. Had to up my dose a couple times but it’s saving me mentally.
27 Mar 2024

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Liz
23 Feb 2023

I know there’s postpartum depression but what about prenatal? I’m not really like entirely depressed but just super emotional and drained from being pregnant, I just want my baby girl in my arms and my body back 😒 respectfully speaking

5 comments
Q
Quston
Yes, my doctor told me you can be at more risk of being depressed during pregnancy. I'll be 31 weeks tomorrow and I've been feeling down lately. I have no energy, I barely sleep, I miss how my body was and feel like we're running out of time and still have so much to do to prepare for her.
27 Mar 2024

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Janessa
Totally a thing. And very common to feel that way towards the end. You can always discuss it with your dr - especially if you’re having feelings or thoughts of harm to you or your baby. But if you’re just exhausted and don’t want to do anything, you’re completely normal :) You’re almost there mama!!! ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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NYMAMA
25 Jan 2023

No one warned me about prenatal anxiety and depression. I’m very depressed and my panic attack disorder is back

8 comments
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Chelsey
Prenatal anxiety? What is that ??
27 Mar 2024

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NYMAMA
Apparently with the hormonal changes, it can trigger anxiety and depression during pregnancy. You’re at higher risk if you had anxiety/depression before pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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Sarah
21 Jan 2023

Is anyone else experiencing prenatal depression? I didn't know what was going on with me until I looked it up, this is most definitely what I have. I always though you could only have postnatal depression. I'm going to be giving my doctor a call soon.

4 comments
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Tina
yes i am struggling with it a lot. hoping counseling will help cause i’m a mess
27 Mar 2024

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Heather dunlap
🙁 meeeee I hate it
27 Mar 2024

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Jackelyn
1 Jan 2023

Has anyone been diagnosed with prenatal depression? I know I’ve had depression before and I’ve just been feeling stressed and overwhelmed I just wanna cry all day…

4 comments
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Jeannie
I get postpartum depression very badly after baby is here. It deffinay makes it a big up hill battle that you have to fight through! But just keep remember there is brighter days ahead I promise! It gets easier & more beautiful sweet memories to be made with your baby. Don't be so hard on yourself I say just take it day by day slowly do what you need to to survive & feel better on the bad days. I shower go for a short little nature walk with my kids listen to my music. & take a nap. Journaling can help joining a support group. Talking to your ob about medicines very helpful! Finding a therapist.Always reach out for help don't be afraid to advocate for your mental health! Remember you are loved ❤ needed immensely . & keep rockin mamas!
27 Mar 2024

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Christine
Same here, had depression before I got pregnant, since I’ve had my daughter I’ve been crying over everything and mad at the littlest things
27 Mar 2024

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Queen Cici👑
23 Dec 2022

Fighting prenatal depression is the hardest battle mentally that I’ve ever had to fight. I’m hanging in there. I refuse to let this shit take me over. I gotta be good for my child. 🤞🏽💯

10 comments
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Cece rodriguez
I’m here for u ❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Queen Cici👑
❤️❤️🤞🏽
27 Mar 2024

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Holly
20 Dec 2022

Anyone else experiencing any prenatal depression? I hate even posting about it honestly but it’s real and I just want to feel better. I took fluoxetine for anxiety/depression before I decided to try for a baby. I stopped all medication when my husband and I started trying for baby. Now the depression is pretty bad some days and I’m not really sure what to do. I think being constantly nauseous is also wearing on me and making it worse.

4 comments
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Melissa
Is there any hobbies you can do that will maybe keep your mind occupied and not make you think about sad and depressed things?
27 Mar 2024

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Rose
Yes .. cried all day yesterday
27 Mar 2024

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Sarah
9 Aug 2022

this prenatal depression is really getting to me, getting worried about how i'll feel postpartum 🫤

1 comments
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Lakendra
Same literally
27 Mar 2024

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Candace
30 Jul 2022

It’s not enough talk about Prenatal Depression 😔 Seems like as time get closer the harder it gets 😕

6 comments
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Tanya
I had this too. I feel like people don’t talk about the mental health part of pregnancy/postpartum or breastfeeding enough. I’ve had so many challenges with my mental health during pregnancy, & still now after birth. But mostly now it’s due to breastfeeding. I hope things look up for you.. I wish I had some good advice. Big hugggs 🤗
27 Mar 2024

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C
Candace
Thank You Same To You ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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