Pregnancy Complications - Depression in Pregnancy
Depression in pregnancy (prenatal depression) is a very common pregnancy complication affecting many mothers-to-be. Very often it strikes in the later months but it can happen at any stage.
Pregnancy related depression may be the result of a combination of fluctuating pregnancy hormones plus worry about childbirth and impending motherhood. If you are not sleeping well or getting enough rest as a result of your pregnancy you may also find yourself feeling depressed.
Some mothers-to-be find that taking gentle regular exercise, getting more rest and talking to other people about their concerns helps ease their prenatal depression. However, in some instances the depression may be more severe and require medical treatment.
If you suspect you are suffering from depression in pregnancy and it does not lift after trying the simple steps outlined above, you should speak to your gp or midwife as you may need some counselling or you may be prescribed some antidepressants which are suitable for use in pregnancy. This is nothing to be ashamed about and many pregnant women take medication for prenatal depression and even beyond if postnatal depression is suspected.
More Pregnancy Complications
- Gestational Diabetes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pre-eclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Cholestasis (itching during pregnancy)
- Hemorrhoids
- Backache
- Bleeding
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Morning sickness
- Varicose veins
- Stretch marks
- Anxiety
- Childbed fever (puerperal sepsis)
Treat Yourself to Me Time!
For the ultimate pregnancy treat, buy our Pregnancy Relaxation CD or download our Pregnancy Relaxation mp3
Or, if you're currently struggling with a busy lifestyle and the added demands of parenting, try our Perfect Relaxation for Parents mp3 - take time out for yourself and awaken refreshed and ready to face whatever life throws at you!
Also by BreastfeedingMums
Books We Love!
Support Us!
Write for Us
If you would like to contribute a pregnancy or breastfeeding poem, story or photos, or a miscarriage poem or story, just contact us and we'll add it to the site. Thanks.