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Depression
that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is
called perinatal
depression.
The exact number of women with depression during this time is
unknown. But researchers believe that depression is one of the most
common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the
depression is not recognized or treated, because some normal
pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and are happening at the
same time. Tiredness, problems sleeping, stronger emotional
reactions, and changes in body weight may occur during pregnancy and
after pregnancy. But these symptoms may also be signs of depression. During pregnancy, these
factors may increase a woman’s chance of depression:
History of depression or substance abuse
Family history of mental illness
Little support from family and friends
Anxiety about the fetus
Problems with previous pregnancy or birth
Marital or financial problems
Young age (of mother)
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