What You Need to Know to Protect Your Health and Your Baby’s
Depression is a serious medical condition that can have different causes. It can change how someone feels, thinks, and acts. The most common symptoms of depression are strong, lasting feelings of sadness and an inability to feel pleasure or happiness. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, fatigue (feeling very tired), and thoughts of death or self-harm. Physical symptoms can include increased heart rate, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and headaches.
Pregnancy can trigger the development of depression in some people. This may be due to hormonal changes and the stress of this major life event. Treatment may include counseling, therapy, and/or medication.
I think I have depression and I’m pregnant. What should I do?
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can work with you to create a plan for your health and your baby’s. Share your feelings with your partner, family, friends, or others you trust so you can get support. If you feel you may harm yourself, your pregnancy, or someone else, seek emergency medical care right away. Clinica Romero is here to help https://clinicaromero.com/
I have depression and I’m planning to get pregnant. Is there anything I should know?
Talk to your healthcare providers about your plans to get pregnant so they can review your current health and treatments. Sometimes, treatment changes may be recommended before or during pregnancy
Can depression make it harder to get pregnant?
Some studies suggest that having depression can make it more difficult to become pregnant.
Does depression increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can happen in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Some studies have reported an increased risk of miscarriage when depression is untreated during pregnancy.
Does depression increase the chance of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Depression itself is not expected to increase the risk of birth defects beyond this. However, depression during pregnancy should be treated. Many antidepressants have been studied in pregnancy and have not been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. If you have questions about specific medications, talk to your healthcare provider.
Does depression increase the chance of other pregnancy problems?
Some studies have reported a higher chance of preterm birth (before 37 weeks), low birth weight, smaller-than-expected babies, and preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy) when depression is untreated. Preeclampsia can lead to preterm delivery and complications for both the pregnant person and the baby. Depression can also cause changes in sleep or eating habits during pregnancy.
Does depression during pregnancy affect my child’s future behavior or learning?
Some studies have shown that untreated depression during pregnancy may negatively impact a child’s behavior or development.
I don’t want to take my depression medication while pregnant. My doctor says this could be worse for me and the baby. Is that true?
Studies have found that babies of people who receive treatment for depression during pregnancy tend to have better outcomes than those whose depression is untreated.
Stopping medication may cause depression symptoms to return (relapse). One study found that women who stopped medication for severe depression had five times the risk of relapse during pregnancy. Resuming antidepressant medication reduced the chance of relapse but didn’t prevent it in all cases. A relapse during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication. They can discuss the benefits of treatment and the risks of untreated illness during pregnancy. Consider your personal feelings, symptom severity, past hospitalizations, how quickly symptoms returned if you’ve stopped medication before, and how fast you responded when resuming it.
If you choose to stop your antidepressant, your provider may suggest tapering slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It’s unclear how, if at all, withdrawal might affect pregnancy.
What about alternative treatments during pregnancy?
Most herbal remedies, supplements, or other non-traditional therapies haven’t been studied enough to know their effects on pregnancy. Discuss any alternative treatments with your healthcare and mental health providers before using them.
Regular prenatal care can improve outcomes for you and your baby. It’s common for people with depression to lack motivation or energy for daily activities, including appointments. Studies show that those with mental health conditions, including depression, attend fewer than half of their prenatal visits. There are also higher rates of premature birth and neonatal death among babies whose parents received inadequate prenatal care.
Are people with depression during pregnancy more likely to have postpartum depression or mood disorders?
One of the most serious effects of untreated depression during pregnancy is a higher chance of postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is depression after giving birth. While the general risk is about 5–15%, studies have shown higher rates in those who had depression during pregnancy. PPD can make it harder for someone to care for and bond with their baby, which can negatively impact the baby’s development and behavior.
Breastfeeding while experiencing depression:
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both the nursing parent and the baby. Studies show that people with depression during pregnancy often breastfeed for a shorter time. However, breastfeeding can reduce the risk or severity of postpartum depression.
Some may experience depression while breastfeeding. Surround yourself with support—family, friends, healthcare providers, or a lactation consultant. Ask for help with any nursing concerns.
If a man has depression, could it affect fertility or increase the chance of birth defects?
Some reports show that depression in men may lower the chance of conceiving. Depression and anxiety in men have been linked to lower semen volume and sperm count. About 2–9% of men may experience depression during their partner’s pregnancy. Emotional well-being is important not just for the individual, but also for the health and support of their partner and child. Men with symptoms of depression should seek appropriate care. Generally, exposure from a father or sperm donor is unlikely to increase pregnancy risks.