While talking about pregnancy and depression most people tend to refer to depression that occurs once a woman gives birth to a child. Post partum depression is quite common among women however around 70% women also tend to experience depression during the pregnancy period. In many cases the depression is quite minor and in around 10 to 15% of the pregnant women the depression is rather serious.

Pregnancy and depression may be closely related because of hormonal changes during pregnancy that result in widespread mood swings as well as emotional and psychological changes. Chemical imbalances in the brain can also result in depression during pregnancy. Often stress is also one of the factors that can result in depression during the pregnancy period. Depression during pregnancy may be particularly observed where the pregnancy is unplanned.

Pregnancy and depression are also closely related in those women who have a history of depression in the family. Women having relationship problems may also suffer from depression during pregnancy and a previous miscarriage can also contribute to depression. Other reasons for depression in pregnancy may include emotional, physical or sexual abuse along with pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy can result in some radical changes like moving houses or changing careers and this in turn can bring in more stress and cause depression. Pregnancy and depression can have a negative impact on crucial aspects of pre natal care like sleeping habits, exercise, nutrition etc. Pregnant women who suffer from depression are also more likely to indulge in smoking or consume alcohol and also indulge in substance abuse.

Depression during pregnancy has some signs or symptoms that tend to be similar to the symptoms of pregnancy and so it is difficult to spot the depression. Fatigue is common is both pregnancy and depression and so it is often difficult to identify if the pregnant women is suffering from depression. Depression during pregnancy is also often ignored quite simply because this period is expected to be an extremely happy period in the woman’s life.

The signs or symptoms related to depression during pregnancy include problems in concentrating, sleeping problems, anxiety, irritability, feeling sad, changes in eating patterns and fatigue. Pregnancy and depression are quite closely related and depression during pregnancy can be treated through several avenues. A pregnant woman experiencing depression needs to have a good support system in place.

Psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial as pregnant women go through major changes and so sharing their emotions can help them to deal with the depression in a better manner. Medications can also be used for treatment of depression during pregnancy. Depression during pregnancy can be treated with antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. However the medication should be prescribed only under the guidance of the medical health professional.

Depression during pregnancy can compromise the health of the woman as well as her child so it is important to seek medical help. Possible complications occurring due to pregnancy and depression include preterm birth, spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension. In 2006 research determined link between use of SSRIs and increased possibility of fetal heart defects along with pulmonary hypertension among newborns.