Depression is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization, 15.6% of pregnant women in developing countries experience depression during pregnancy (prenatal depression) and 19.8% experience depression after childbirth (postpartum depression). Perinatal depression encompasses both. Far more serious than “the baby blues,” perinatal depression can have a significant impact on both mother and baby. Here’s what you need to know:
10 Facts About Perinatal Depression
- Perinatal depression is a real medical illness that can affect any mother
Like most mental illnesses, perinatal depression affects women of all races, classes, and income and education levels.
- Perinatal depression can affect women during pregnancy and after childbirth
Although most people are more familiar with postpartum depression, almost as many women experience depression during pregnancy.
- Science has not yet discovered an exact cause for perinatal depression
While we do not know the exact cause of perinatal depression, research suggests that a combination of factors play a role. These include environment, genetics, high stress levels during pregnancy (such as those caused by a demanding job or financial hardship), and a history of depression or other mental health issues.
- Perinatal depression affects everyone differently
As is true with other mental health disorders, perinatal depression affects people in different ways. Depending on the individual, symptoms of perinatal depression range from mild to severe. These may include frequent crying, loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities, increased anxiety, trouble connecting to the child, low energy, appetite changes, and more. Some women experience only a couple of symptoms, and others experience a full range.
- Perinatal depression is treatable
Many women are able to find relief from their perinatal depression with the help of talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, medication, or other therapeutic methods.
- There is no single treatment for perinatal depression that works for everyone
Some women find effective treatment right away. Others try a number of treatment methods before they find one that works. Research is currently underway for developing more effective treatment methods to provide relief to more women.
- Untreated perinatal depression can lead to premature birth and low birth weight
Although there is no evidence that perinatal depression will directly affect the baby, it can result in premature birth and low birth weight by hindering the woman’s ability to take care of herself and make healthy decisions in pregnancy.
- Untreated perinatal depression can hinder the mother/baby bonding process
Perinatal depression can affect a mother’s ability to engage with the baby in ways that promote bonding, including breastfeeding and talking, laughing, and playing.
- A strong support network can have a positive impact on perinatal depression
Motherhood brings with it a lot of demands and an increased stress level, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression, especially when the mother is isolated and lacks contact with other adults. Asking for help from family and friends, seeking professional help, or joining a support group are all positive ways to create or lean on a support network. While a strong support network won’t cure perinatal depression, it can go a long way toward providing relief.
- There is no known prevention for perinatal depression
There is still so much we don’t understand about the specifics of how and why mental health issues develop in some people but not in others. Researchers continue to study perinatal depression and other mental health disorders in order to discover effective methods of treatment and prevention.
Suffering from perinatal depression? We may be able to help.
At Synergy Research Centers, we are currently enlisting participants in perinatal depression studies, offering pregnant women and new mothers the chance to reduce the impact depression has on their lives. Participants gain access to cutting edge treatments not yet available to the general public and may be eligible for compensation for time and travel expenses. If you are interested in learning more or want to join a research study, give us a call at (888) 539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.