Many of us are familiar with the term postpartum depression, and sort of vaguely understand what it means. Except, did you know that experts are realizing that depression and mood disorders during pregnancy are far more common than previously thought?
The collective term “perinatal depression” refers to both prenatal depression (depression during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (depression after birth). Read on for what perinatal depression can look like — specifically prenatal depression, how it differs from postpartum depression, and how you can treat prenatal depression.
Causes and frequency of prenatal depression
Depression during pregnancy: How to treat and manage
The treatment of prenatal depression is very similar to that of other kinds of depression. Some medical providers ask screening questions at various points during your pregnancy, but if at any point you think you may have depression, don’t wait.
“If you suspect you have prenatal depression, ask your doctor. If you suspect a loved one has prenatal depression, ask them lovingly,” suggested Dr. Beigel. “Mental health has a stigma that will only change when we are bold enough to bring up the subject. Asking about prenatal depression will not cause depression, it may however help you or a loved one get the help they need.”
Below are some ways you can manage prenatal depression. As always, please consult your medical provider for your individualized treatment plan.
Medications
Thankfully, approximately 80% to 90% of pregnant people and new moms with perinatal depression are treated successfully by drugs, talk therapy, or a combination of both. According to several U.S. and U.K. studies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally considered safe for pregnant and chestfeeding people. Doctors most commonly prescribe these antidepressants for perinatal depression, and your medical provider may suggest you continue the medications even after the birth of your child.
However, many people prefer alternative treatments because while there is no evidence that antidepressants taken during pregnancy are harmful to your pregnancy, there is a chance newborns may have drug withdrawal symptoms of jitters, irritability, and a rare risk of seizures. Please remember that prolonged depression may ultimately be more harmful to you and your baby. You and your medical provider will make a joint decision of how to best treat your perinatal depression.
Therapy and alternative treatments
Many people also find that other treatments such as talk therapy are also helpful either in conjunction with medication or alone. According to a Stanford University study, of the women who received acupuncture that was depression-specific, 63% responded well.
Natural treatments and lifestyle
Additionally, there are lifestyle choices you can make to help improve your mood. For example:
- Get plenty of exercise
- Take your prenatal vitamins
- Eat nutritionally balanced foods
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Try meditation or breathing exercises
- Find and use a support network
- Go to your prenatal care appointments
Ultimately, it is not your fault if you experienced perinatal depression of any sort. You did not do anything wrong — and you are not a bad parent because of it.
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or thoughts of harming your unborn baby, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This national network of local crisis centers is free, available 24/7, and provides confidential support.
