Depression During Pregnancy

 

Marietta GA ObstetriciansWhether you have surprisingly found out that you are pregnant or you have been trying for years and a healthy pregnancy has finally occurred, you may be shocked and saddened to find that your happiness is not all that you thought it would be. It is estimated that at least 10% of pregnant women will battle depression throughout their pregnancies. Despite the fact that pregnancy is a time of new life growing and developing, the reality is for some women depression will follow them throughout the nine months that they are pregnant.

For years, doctors mistakenly believed that depression was not an issue for women during pregnancy because they believed that hormonal changes protected women against depression. However, that has been found false, and it has even been found that the rapid increase in hormone levels at the start of pregnancy can actually disrupt brain chemistry and lead to depression. Anxiety increase is also a related condition that can cause months of hardship for a pregnant woman and her family.

Both depression and anxiety should not go untreated during pregnancy. It is very important to talk with your OBGYN about any feelings of depression or anxiety throughout your pregnancy. How a mother feels greatly impacts the growth and development of the tiny life (or lives) inside of her womb. Depression and anxiety can increase the risk for preterm labor, low birth weight, and miscarriage because they can hamper your ability to care for yourself – and in turn, care for your unborn baby.

Common risk factors for depression during pregnancy include:

  • Personal or family history of depression or anxiety
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Previous pregnancy loss
  • Complicated or high-risk pregnancy diagnosis
  • Fertility treatments
  • Stressful life events
  • Past history of abuse
  • Unplanned or single mother pregnancy

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. we are a dedicated and experienced team of physicians and nurses that offer our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. We take great care to remain sensitive to the needs of our patients on an individual level because we understand that no two women are alike, and pregnancy can affect all women in different ways. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of depression or anxiety during your pregnancy, please bring them to our attention so that we can help you. There are many different methods of treatment for depression during pregnancy, and we will help you find the safest and most effective treatment to promote the health and growth of your pregnancy.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.