Question 1

is depression a sign of early pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily!: In early pregnancy it is possible to feel depressed.  There are hormonal changes and emotional ups and downs are normal.  At the same time, no depression is not a sign of early pregnancy.

Question 2

depression during pregnancy--signs and treatments?

Accepted Answer

Same signs as not: Pregnant.
The treatment, however, is different.
There should be more emphasis on psychotherapy.
Most antidepressants should be avoided, at least until the third trimester.
Electroconvulsive therapy is very safe for both mother and child, although it is usually only used in severe cases.

Question 3

is conception, headaches feeling depressed a big sign of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Those symptoms are not commonly associated with pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant, check a test.

Question 4

will my depression have a negative impact on my baby while i am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is possible.  Most of the medications used to treat depression have rare but serious problems in the newborn.  Women whose depression worsens may not eat well or take good care of themselves which could affect the pregnancy.

Question 5

does pregnancy affect depression?

Accepted Answer

Consultation needed: In some women, pregnancy can make depression worse; in some, it can make it better.  The question often is whether to use pharmaceutical antidepressant medications while a woman is pregnant, and whether the intensity of symptoms makes it reasonable to risk potential effects in the infant.  The answer is variable, and discussion with an experienced psychiatrist is very important.

Question 6

how is depression treated while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Carefully: During pregnancy the treatment of depression is usually more conservative with a greater emphasis on non-medication treatments. However, medications are used depending on the individual situation, with medications more likely to be used in severe depression. Also, in general there is a greater level of comfort in using medications later in pregnancy.

Question 7

how can i treat depression while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Depression: Of course, this will differ for every person, but the important thing is that it can be treated during pregnancy. For some this will mean adjusting or changing meds. For some, it may mean seeing a therapist or counselor. Your OB can help to coordinate care. Some patients find their symptoms better during pregnancy, but some do not.

Question 8

what are safe depression medications in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It is not clear: Anti-depression medications are generally classified as pregnancy category c. This means that there are no studies done on human subjects during pregnancy to determine safety. When deciding on whether a woman should be on them during pregnancy, it has to be determined that the benefits of treating the depression outweigh potential risks. This decision should be individualized with your doctor.

Question 9

how common is getting depression during and after pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Very common: Pregnancy and the post-partum time are very challenging.  There is the loss of one's body to deal with along with a host of new challenges and responsibilities.  There is a hormonal component to this as well and coupled with sleep loss and a very needful newborn, it is not surprising that depression can happen even with the best of circumstances and support systems.

Question 10

will my depression get better or get worse during a pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Depression pregnancy: Some depression does get better in pregnancy but you can't count on it.  Having depression at any time raises the risk of it being a problem after birth. Exercise and nutrition (esp omega 3s and folic acid) and working on cultivating relationships with others (especially your mother, the baby's father and other pregnant women) also may help.

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Doctor answers about:

Signs of depression while pregnant

A member asked:

Is depression a sign of early pregnancy?

A member asked:

Depression during pregnancy--signs and treatments?

A member asked:

Is conception, headaches feeling depressed a big sign of pregnancy?

A member asked:

Will my depression have a negative impact on my baby while i am pregnant?

A member asked:

Does pregnancy affect depression?

A member asked:

How is depression treated while pregnant?

A member asked:

How can i treat depression while pregnant?

A member asked:

What are safe depression medications in pregnancy?

A member asked:

How common is getting depression during and after pregnancy?

A member asked:

Will my depression get better or get worse during a pregnancy?

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