Can You Have Postpartum Depression While Pregnant?
Takeaway: There’s a common perception that pregnancy and postpartum are supposed to be the happiest times in your life. While there is joy in becoming a new parent, there are also lots of other tough emotions. If you’re feeling depression while pregnant or postpartum, you’re not alone. In this post, I break down everything you need to know about whether you can have postpartum depression during pregnancy–and how to get the support you need.
A time that is supposed to be filled with excitement and joy, can look very different for many women who are pregnant. Depression during pregnancy is quite common, the problem is no one talks about it. Many women feel mood changes during their pregnancy but feel shame about expressing it to others, especially if it's anything other than "happiness". You may have heard of "baby blues" which typically is the period in which mood swings occur after the birth of your baby. But what isn't discussed much, is what happens after the baby blues continues for weeks and months after child birth, this is called postpartum depression.
Perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy and after child birth. In this blog post, we will cover the causes, risk factors, symptoms and the treatment needed for perinatal depression.
THE SHORT ANSWER? YES, YOU CAN-HERE’S MY STORY.
My husband and I found out that we were pregnant on Thanksgiving day. We were so happy for this next chapter and couldn't wait for the journey ahead. I was about 9 weeks pregnant when I started feeling symptoms of depression, on top of all of the other pregnancy symptoms like nausea, lower back pain and constant need to use the restroom. I remember feeling depressed, crying for no reason, and I had little interest to do anything. My husband was just as confused as I was. He tried his best to be there for me and to lift my mood but nothing was helping. My mother said "What's going on? You have a great marriage, you've been waiting for this day, you should be happy!". She was right, I SHOULD have been. But, this felt like it was out of my control. Logically, I was happy, but mentally I was struggling. I brought this up to my health care provider and she suggested that I take omega-3 vitamins to help my mood, I also made sure to see my therapist weekly. After a few weeks, I started feeling better. I remember how shocked I was to experience depression during pregnancy because I had never heard of pregnant women talk about it before. I understand how feelings of shame and guilt can come up during this time, but know that it is completely okay to share this experience with someone that you can trust and feel safe with.
TYPES OF PERINATAL DEPRESSION
Perinatal depression can occur during or after pregnancy. What is more commonly known and discussed is "Baby Blues" which is a term that defines depressive episodes that last first few weeks after the baby is born. If symptoms persist, get worse or last longer then this can lead to postpartum depression.
Prenatal depression occurs during pregnancy. Symptoms can happen any time during the pregnancy but it is more common in the first and third trimester. Although there is no specific known cause, there are several risk factors which will be discussed in this article that are important to take note of. Being aware of the risk factors, symptoms and treatments of perinatal depression can help in how we approach this when it shows up.
RISK FACTORS FOR PERINATAL DEPRESSION
Even though perinatal depression can happen to anyone, research suggests that certain women are at higher risk. Identifying and becoming aware of the risk factors can help women work through perinatal depression and possibly even prevent it. Research suggests that perinatal depression can be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Women are at higher risk to experience perinatal depression if:
Personal or family history of depression and anxiety:
If you have experienced major depression and anxiety before getting pregnant, then this puts you at a higher risk to experience perinatal depression. Mothers who have experienced postpartum depression with their previous children are also at risk for it to happen again. Another factor is if there is any family history of depression and anxiety. Talk to your health care provider or mental health professional to inform them of the mental health issues you or your family members have experienced.
Life Stressors
Even though bringing a child into this world can be a life changing and positive event, the life stressors that happen prior to birth can have a big impact on the mom to be. Fighting with your partner, grieving the loss of a loved one, stressing about finances, having a stressful job and world events can all have an impact on the mental health and increase chances of depression for pregnant women.
Health Risks
Women who have preexisting diabetes or gestational diabetes can have a higher chance of having perinatal depression. Pregnant women experiencing difficult pregnancies, or have a medical condition, past miscarriages or having traumatic past births, can have an impact on how the mother's mental health will be. Smoking, drinking or substance abuse can lead to a greater chance of perinatal depression. Thyroid hormones fluctuations and dysfunctions can also be a risk factor when thinking about pregnancy or postpartum depression. It's important to mention any health history with your health care provider.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A PERINATAL MOOD DISORDER
Perinatal mood disorders have signs and symptoms that can easily be mistaken as part of pregnancy or the postpartum period. I remember feeling extremely tired and crying often in the postpartum period and being told that it's normal since I am a new mom. While there is some truth to that, I'm here to tell you that it isn't normal. If you are feeling these signs and symptoms, it's time to speak to your health care providers. Untreated depression during pregnancy can lead to increased chances of postpartum depression, difficulty bonding with your new baby, complications with pregnancy and birth, delivering a low birth weight baby, birth defects and prematurely giving birth. Since perinatal depression is a treatable mental health condition, early intervention can help both the mother and baby.
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness:
Pregnant and postpartum women with perinatal depression experience continuous feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness. You may notice yourself crying more often than usual. New mothers may experience feeling disconnected from their babies.
Loss of interest in activities:
Women with perinatal depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, including spending time with family and friends, hobbies, and self-care.
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns:
Perinatal depression can cause changes in eating habits, such as overeating or loss of appetite. It can also disrupt sleep, causing trouble sleeping or oversleeping.
Irritability or agitation:
Women with perinatal depression may become easily irritated or agitated, and may have a short temper or difficulty controlling their emotions. They can experience rapid mood swings. This can easily be mistaken as "pregnancy hormones" or "raging hormones" in postpartum period.
Anxiety or panic attacks:
Perinatal mood disorders can cause feelings of anxiety, including racing thoughts, worry, and panic attacks. In the postpartum period, intrusive thoughts can also occur.
Physical symptoms:
Perinatal depression can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Difficulty bonding with the baby:
Women with perinatal depression may struggle to bond with their baby and may feel guilty or ashamed about this. This does not make you a bad mother. It is more common than you think!
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide:
In severe cases, perinatal depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is important to seek help immediately.
TREATING PERINATAL DEPRESSION
Treatment for perinatal depression is important for both the mother and the baby's overall health and wellbeing. There are many ways to treat depression and other mental health conditions that arise during the perinatal period. Treatment is based on needs and symptoms of the woman experiencing perinatal depression. Treatment can consist of either talk therapy, medications or a combination of both. There are also other forms of treatment such as brain stimulation therapies and electroconvulsive therapy.
There are different therapeutical approaches that can help treat perinatal depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are evidence-based modalities and are effective in treating perinatal depression. Research suggests that Person-centered therapy can also be helpful for women with postpartum depression or depression during pregnancy. This type of approach is less structured and focused on validation of the client's experience.
Medication
Antidepressant medications can be effective in treating perinatal depression. Medications can help with the way the brain uses certain chemicals that impact mood or stress. It's important to talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of taking medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Pregnant women and new mothers taking antidepressants should be watched closely, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.
Support Groups
Groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for women with perinatal depression. Oftentimes, the journey of motherhood can feel very isolating, so groups are a great way to relate to other moms experiencing the same symptoms. Most women feel shame to express their concerns or struggles to the people around them because they fear that they won't be understood. Support groups can offer the opportunity to share experiences and receive emotional support.
Self-care
Self-care is important for managing perinatal depression. Women should prioritize getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and engaging in physical activity.
Social Support
Having a strong support system is important for women with perinatal depression. Family and friends can offer emotional support, practical assistance, and help with the new baby.
POSTPARTUM THERAPY CAN HELP TREAT DEPRESSION, EVEN IF YOU ARE STILL PREGNANT
One of the main reasons that I was able to navigate my postpartum depression was because I was seeing my own therapist and getting the help I needed once I started feeling the symptoms of depression during pregnancy. It is so important to take care of your mental health, learn how to navigate unhelpful patterns that happen in our thoughts and get additional resources.
After I went through my own journey, I learned how passionate I am about helping moms navigate the challenges of motherhood. I use different approaches that will help my clients no matter where they are on their journey. I want my mom clients to learn how to navigate the hardships so they can enjoy motherhood. Once we start carrying for another human being, it is easy to let go of ourselves. I'm here to remind you, that you matter too mama.