Prenatal Depression

Symptoms can start any time during pregnancy, and might include the following:

  • Feelings of anger or irritability

  • Feeling easily overwhelmed

  • Lack of interest in the baby or preparations for the baby and birth

  • Appetite and sleep disturbance

  • Crying and sadness

  • Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

  • Struggling to bathe, brush your teeth, and other basic self-care activities

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

  • Having trouble remembering things, concentrating or making decisions

  • Withdrawing from friends and family

  • Having no energy and feeling tired all the time

  • Having headaches, stomach problems or other aches and pains that don’t go away

  • Thoughts of harming yourself, not wanting to be alive, or recurrent thoughts about death

 Risk Factors

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

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD or PMS)

  • Financial stress

  • Stress in relationship with partner or family

  • Complications in pregnancy

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

  • Mothers who’ve gone through infertility treatments

  • Women with a thyroid imbalance

  • Women with any form of diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)

How do I know I need help?

If symptoms are affecting your ability to function or enjoy your pregnancy, it’s time to seek support. Reach out now to get started!