Depression during pregnancy

What you need to know

There is an idea that pregnancy should, by definition, be a time of happiness and fulfilment. But the truth is that pregnancy is a sensitive period for the appearance or worsening of depressive symptoms. You may feel:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness;
• Loss of interest in things that usually bring you pleasure;
• Lack of energy;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Changes in sleep or appetite;
• Feelings of guilt.

It is important to distinguish these symptoms from the normal emotional changes that can happen during pregnancy and which tend to pass. On the other hand, persistent or intense symptoms, or those that interfere with your daily life, may correspond to depression, which deserves clinical attention.

Depression during pregnancy can also affect how you feel, relate to others, and prepare for the baby's arrival. It can also make it harder to look after yourself during pregnancy and increase the risk of depression in the postpartum period. And always remember: feeling depressed during pregnancy does not mean you do not want your baby or that you are a bad mother.

The good news? Fortunately, depression during pregnancy is treatable!

Support should be personalised and usually involves different professionals, such as psychologists and/or psychiatrists. What is more: when necessary, pregnancy does not prevent pharmacological treatment. There are medications that can be used during pregnancy, always with psychiatric monitoring and after an individual assessment.

With the right support, it is possible to feel better and experience your pregnancy in a more peaceful way. If you are pregnant and recognise some of these signs in yourself, talk to a healthcare professional. You do not need to wait until the baby is born to look after your mental health.