Perinatal Depression

Depression during pregnancy and depression after pregnancy, collectively known as perinatal depression, is the most common mental health complication of childbearing. About 15% of moms experience significant depression following childbirth, and the percentages are even higher for women who are also dealing with poverty.

Women who have perinatal depression may experience:

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things she used to enjoy

• Feelings of anger or irritability

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or herself

• Appetite and sleep disturbance

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness

These factors can increase the risk of perinatal depression:

• A personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD or PMS)

• Inadequate support in caring for the baby

• Financial stress

• Marital stress

• Complications in pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding

• A major recent life event: loss, house move, job loss

• Multiple pregnancies

• Having a sick baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)

• Requiring infertility treatments

• Thyroid imbalance

• Any form of diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational)