Pregnancy Depression
Prenatal Depression
Depression while pregnant, also known as prenatal depression, refers to prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emotional distress during pregnancy. It often develops in the first trimester, but it can occur at any stage. Beyond typical pregnancy emotions or hormonal shifts, these feelings linger for weeks or months and can impact your ability to care for yourself or feel connected to your pregnancy.
What Causes Depression While Pregnant?
- Crying more often than usual, even without a clear reason
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day
- Intense feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Extreme fatigue beyond typical pregnancy exhaustion
- Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of interest in food)
- Trouble sleeping despite feeling tired
- Withdrawing from loved ones or avoiding social situations
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Thoughts of harming yourself or feelings that life isn’t worth living (seek immediate help)
Ask yourself:
- Am I feeling sad, tearful, or hopeless most days?
- Am I feeling more anxious than normal or unable to stop worrying?
- Am I struggling to get through most days without a glimmer of hope or happiness?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” it may be time to reach out for support. Untreated depression in pregnancy can affect both you and your baby. For you, symptoms may worsen and increase the risk of developing postpartum depression after birth. For your baby, research shows that untreated depression can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, or developmental concerns.
By seeking help early, you can take care of yourself and your baby, creating a stronger, healthier foundation for your transition into motherhood.
Treatment for Pregnancy Depression
Talk to a Mental Health Professional. You can start by confidentially sharing your symptoms with a therapist at The Postpartum Den. Our clinicians can screen you and help you determine the best course of treatment.
Connect with a perinatal therapist. At The Postpartum Den, we offer evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you manage symptoms, process overwhelming emotions, and develop effective coping strategies.
Find connection and community. Connecting with other pregnant women can make a world of difference. The Postpartum Den offers a supportive space where you can share your experience, feel understood, and know you’re not alone.
Relief, right now.
Redefine your pregnancy, get treatment for pregnancy depression without delay.
