Depression and Pregnancy

Some women become depressed when they are pregnant or after they give birth. Other women notice that their depression gets worse during pregnancy.

No one knows the exact cause of depression during or after pregnancy. It may have something to do with:

    * Stress
    * Hormones - After a woman has a baby, her hormone levels drop quickly.
    * Having depression before you get pregnant.
    * Lack of support from family and friends.
    * Young age – The younger you are when you have your baby the more likely you are to become depressed.

Women should talk to their doctor about the risks of taking depression medicines during pregnancy.

Depression can make it hard for woman to take care of herself and her baby. It is important to talk to your doctor about your feelings. Also, try to get some help from your family, friends, or a support group.

    * Ask a relative to watch your baby for a few hours.
    * Join a group for new mothers.
    * Ask a friend to cook a meal for your family or to help with chores.


"The Baby Blues"

Having a baby can be a joyful time. However, some women cry a lot and feel sad right after they have a baby. This is called "the baby blues". This feeling usually goes away after about two weeks.

If you still feel sad after two weeks, go to your doctor or clinic. You may be depressed. This type of depression is called postpartum depression
because it starts after a woman has a baby. A woman can have this kind of depression up to one year after she has a baby.

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