Dealing with Depression During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often seen as a happy, exciting time – but many people experience worry and stress in addition to the excitement. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed at times. But when sadness or anxiety starts to affect your daily life, or makes it hard to take care of yourself or others, it may be a sign of prenatal depression.

Prenatal depression is common, affecting about 1 in 10 pregnant women. It’s important to recognize the signs and get help early—untreated depression during pregnancy can increase the risk of postpartum depression. Reaching out for help can feel hard, but support and effective treatments are available – and getting help early can make a meaningful difference for both you and your baby.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Talk to your doctor if you have had any of these signs for at least 2 weeks:

• Feeling a lot of anxiety about your baby.
• Lack of interest in your pregnancy.
• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
• Loss of interest in work or other activities.
• Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless.
• Sleeping more than normal or having trouble sleeping.
• Loss of appetite, or eating much more than normal.
• Feeling very tired or without energy.
• Having trouble paying attention, sitting still, or making decisions.
• Low self-esteem – for example, doubting that you’ll be a good mom.
• Thinking about death, or about harming yourself or your baby.

Prenatal depression is more common among women who:

• Have a personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder.
• Experienced depression with a previous pregnancy.
• Are expecting a baby with a health problem or special needs.
• Are dealing with stressful life events like health problems, financial issues, trouble at work, divorce, or the death or illness of a loved one.
• Did not plan to become pregnant.
• Do not have a supportive partner or network of friends and family.

Depression during pregnancy has been linked to several problems, including:

• Going into labor too early.
• Low birth weight for your baby.
• Health complications for your baby after birth.

Find the Treatment That’s Right for You

When you talk with your provider, be honest about your symptoms, feelings and concerns. Prenatal depression can be treated with a combination of therapy and medicine. It is safe for both you and your baby.

To help you succeed with treatment, it will be important to:

• Have a good support system. This can include family, friends, and support groups at a local church or community center.

• Make your health a priority. Better physical health often goes hand-in-hand with improved mental health. Be sure to get plenty of exercise, eat healthy foods, take prenatal vitamins, and get enough sleep. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol, since both are dangerous for you and your baby. (Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause fetal alcohol syndrome.)
• Prepare for your baby’s arrival. Attend all of your prenatal appointments to keep track of your baby’s growth and make sure you’re ready for labor and delivery.
• Find ways to reduce stress. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can be great ways to help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.

Important Phone Numbers

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8 or https://988lifeline.org

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week): call or text 1-833-852-6262

PCHP's Behavioral Health Crisis Line (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week): 1-844-603-1134

PCHP Member Services:

STAR Medicaid: 1-888-672-2277 
CHIP/CHIP Perinate: 1-888-814-2352
TTY: 7-1-1
8 am – 5 pm CST, Monday – Friday (except state holidays)