About 1 in 10 pregnant people will experience depression. This is referred to as antenatal or prenatal depression.
Prenatal depression can affect both birth-giving and non-birth-giving parents. It may be characterized by sadness, tearfulness, anger, worry about the future, and more.
Self-care and leaning on your support network can help you manage depression during pregnancy. If your depression is severe, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.
You may have heard of postpartum depression (PPD), or the baby blues. This form of depression can affect birth-giving and non-birth-giving parents after a new baby is born. But when pregnant people (or non-carrying partners) experience depression in the months before childbirth, it’s called prenatal or antenatal depression.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [1] (ACOG), prenatal depression affects about 10% of pregnant people — even those who’ve never struggled with depression before. Learning more about this form of depression can help you have a safe, healthy pregnancy and know when to reach out for help.
What’s the link between pregnancy and depression?
Pregnancy is a time of so much change. Your mind and body are preparing to bring a baby into the world and adapt to a new normal. During this transitional period, some people experience a decline in mood.
While pregnancy isn’t a stand-alone cause of depression, you may be at greater risk of developing prenatal depression if you’re:
Living with a preexisting mental health concern like depression, anxiety, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Having a child with special needs or health problems
Pregnant with multiples (i.e. twins or triplets)
Navigating stressful life events while pregnant (i.e. financial struggles, relationship issues, or work problems)
Without a supportive family or co-parent
Experiencing an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
Isolated and without a strong support network
Pregnant after struggling with infertility
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Signs of depression during pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and think you might be depressed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your doctor can provide an evaluation and help you get the right care for your needs.
In the meantime, you can start familiarizing yourself with the signs of depression during pregnancy. This information can help you understand the difference between the typical ups and downs of pregnancy and when there might be cause for concern.
Signs include:
You feel sad and hopeless most of the time.
You’re easily irritated and have a “short fuse.”
You’ve been crying a lot.
You’re no longer interested in things you used to enjoy.
You’ve stopped wanting to spend time with friends and family.
Your appetite has changed (eating more or less than usual)
You have repetitive negative thoughts, like worrying you might not be a good parent.
You’re having a hard time focusing on tasks or making decisions.
You’re struggling with guilt and self-blame or a loss of hope about the future.
You’re engaging in self-harm or suicidal ideation.*
Dig deeper:
These symptoms can take hold at any stage of pregnancy. They can also affect birth-giving and non-birth-giving parents alike. Experts recommend getting screened for depression early and often throughout pregnancy, especially if you have known risk factors [2]. That way, you can get the support you need before your symptoms escalate.
A note on safety: If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, seek immediate support. You can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone. Their counselors will provide confidential mental health support and resources to help keep you and your family safe.
The effects of antenatal depression on families
Antenatal depression treatment can be a critical support for pregnant people and non-carrying partners. But it can also help support your baby’s development. Research shows that babies born to parents who don’t get prenatal mental health support are at greater risk for being born prematurely or having a low birth weight.
When depression persists after the baby is born (called postpartum or perinatal depression), it can make it harder to bond with your baby. Your baby may also have a harder time developing consistent sleeping and eating habits. Over the long term, children born to parents with untreated perinatal depression may be at greater risk for cognitive, emotional, developmental, verbal challenges, and impaired social skills.
How to cope with depression during pregnancy
If you’re dealing with depression during pregnancy, it’s best to seek professional help.
Getting timely treatment can help keep you and your baby safe. In addition, self-help strategies can help you balance your mood and care for your mental health during this important life stage.
Explore these tips:
Make time for yourself. You might be very busy preparing for your new baby, attending doctor appointments, and more. But see if you can carve out just a few minutes for yourself each day. You can do something as simple as sip a cup of your favorite tea, read a few chapters of a book, meditate, stretch, or do any other healthy activity that makes you feel good.
Lean on your support system. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a pregnancy support group, talking about what you’re going through can help you feel less alone. You might also learn how others navigated depression during pregnancy.
Take good care of your body. Keeping your body healthy and nourished can strengthen your mental health during pregnancy and beyond. Follow your providers’ advice, attend your medical appointments, rest when you need to, and make time for safe, doctor-approved movement you enjoy.
Treatment options for antenatal depression
Like other forms of depression, antenatal depression is typically treated with a combination [1] of therapy, self-care, and medication. There’s no cure for depression. But therapy can help you identify and manage stressors, process emotions, and navigate all the changes you’re going through.
If you’re curious about taking depression medication, some options are safe for pregnant people. A psychiatrist who specializes in postpartum and perinatal care can help explain the pros and cons of this approach and help you decide if it's the right option for your needs.
A common misconception is that you can manage depression in pregnancy by simply ‘staying positive.’ In reality, depression deserves real support and treatment, and getting help early is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Depression during pregnancy can affect both birth-giving and non-birth-giving partners alike. Without treatment, it can lead to low mood, irritability, social isolation, fears about parenting, and more. It can also negatively affect a child’s development long after they’re born. Fortunately, depression during pregnancy can be managed with the right support, including self-care and professional guidance.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- Depression During Pregnancy https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/depression-during-pregnancy#:~:text=Loss%20of%20appetite%2C%20losing%20weight,thinking%20about%20death%20or%20suicide?
- Risk factors for antenatal depression: A review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8311510/#:~:text=Then%2C%20not%20having%20planned%20the,or%20treat%20it%20if%20necessary.&text=Core%20Tip:%20Depression%20is%20the,early%20detection%20of%20antenatal%20depression.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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