Weblog
Statistics
signs of depression
pregnancy hormones
Why me?
risks to baby
request info
stress hormones
Antidepressants
prevention
Treatment options
life circumstances
For partners
My Story
personality
stress and depression
adaptation
postnatal depression
bipolar pregnancy

XML RSS
What is this?
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google
 

All the facts, and helpful tips for coping with pregnancy depression

A myth persists that pregnancy depression cannot exist because pregnancy is protective against low mood. If you are reading this you have probably experienced the reverse to be true, as I did when I was pregnant. In fact, studies have shown that rates of symptoms suggestive of depression are actually higher amongst pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Pregnancy depression has been found to be more common than post partum depression.

Unfortunately the fallacy that all pregnant women must be in a unique state of unparalleled bliss is still widely subscribed to by many, even within the medical profession. Perhaps the idea of an unhappy pregnancy is uncomfortable for most of us and, therefore, a difficult thing to talk about openly. As a consequence, information and practical help for women who find themselves low in mood, mentally stressed and anxious in pregnancy can be difficult to find.

Many women who experience symptoms of low mood in pregnancy are told by well-meaning friends and family, and sometimes even a midwife or doctor, "It's just hormones!". But if you do have depression, even mild depression, in pregnancy, then 'just riding it out' is not a helpful way of dealing with it.

A growing body of research evidence suggests that mental stress experienced by a pregnant mother can affect her unborn baby and result in health and emotional consequences for baby that persist into adulthood. This is why Mother and Infant mental health workers now know that it is important to actively treat depression arising in pregnancy. The question this website is primarily concerned with answering is 'HOW does one treat depression and anxiety in pregnancy in a way that is both effective and safe?' Perhaps that is the question you were wanting to have answered when you found Pregancy Depression Help.



Depression in Pregnancy: a real time guide
A journey through pregnancy and the post natal period coping with low mood.

depression in pregnancy statistics
statistics: depression symptoms affect roughly one in eight to ten pregnant women; that's more common than postnatal depression

Do you have signs of depression in pregnancy?
you may wonder if the symptoms you have are signs of depression; see if you have any on our list.

The role of pregnancy hormones in pregnancy mood
pregnancy mood: the role played by pregnancy hormones

Predisposition to pregnancy depression: WHY ME?
Are you more likely to become depressed in your pregnancy? Check out your predisposition potential.

Depression in pregnancy: risks to baby
Are there risks to baby with depression during pregnancy? find the evidence here.

Info requests
submit your info requests regarding depression during pregnancy

stress hormones in pregnancy
did you know that stress hormones are very important to support your pregnancy?

Is antidepressant safety an issue in pregnancy?
find out about antidepressant safety during pregnancy

Pregnancy depression prevention
depression prevention tips for women who feel they may be at risk of developing depression in pregnaqncy or the postnatal period

Treatment options for depression in pregnancy
if you have depression in pregnancy there are many safe treatment options to consider. Don't battle it alone!

Coping with life challenges in pregnancy
pregnancy is a time of body and life changes; additional life challenges can be difficult to cope with.

How to help with your pregnant partner's depression
A pregnant partner's depression can be worrisome. Is there anything you can do to help?

My story of depression in pregnancy
A doctor tells of her own experience of depression in pregnancy

The neurotic personality and depression
helpful suggestions for avoiding pregnancy depression if you have a neurotic personality.

Stress and Depression: the hormonal link
learn how chronic stress and depression are linked and how the body's stress system changes in depression.

Is depression an adaptation?
depression an adaptation to improve survival? Can this be true?

depression after pregnancy
How do you know if you will get depression after pregnancy, otherwise known as postnatal depression?

Bipolar Disorder in Pregnancy
managing bipolar disorder in pregnancy is important because there are risks to mother and baby if the bipolar illness is untereated.


footer for pregnancy depression page