Many Pregnant Women Are Depressed

A 2003 study found that one in five pregnant women may be experiencing symptoms of depression, but few are getting help for it. The numbers are even higher in women with a history of depression any time before their pregnancy - one in every four women. These women were about twice as likely as other women to show signs of depression while pregnant.

Researchers studied 3,472 pregnant women who were waiting in the waiting rooms of 10 Michigan obstetrics clinics. Twenty percent of the women scored high on a standard survey of depression symptoms, but only about 14% of those women were receiving any mental health treatment. Twenty four percent of those who had had depression in the last six months were receiving treatment during pregnancy.

There is evidence that hormone imbalances associated with depression can affect the fetus, and may put a woman at higher risk of post-partum depression. We also know that treating a mother's depression improves her kids' mental health.

Lead author Sheila Marcus, M.D. is quoted in a University of Michigan press release as saying that "a woman's childbearing years are also her highest-risk time for depression. Doctors used to think of pregnancy as a 'honeymoon' away from depression risk, but this is turning out to be a myth. We now know that the hormones and brain chemistry involved in depression are known to be affected by changes in other hormones related to pregnancy. And we know this may affect the fetus."

Treating depression during pregnancy can be tricky. Antidepressant medications may not be safe to take, so treatment often starts with counseling or psychotherapy. Find specific drug information at DrugFinder.

Last updated 3/27/06

Source: University of Michigan research press release, summarizing article in Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 12, No. 4, May, 2003.