Hoag Women's Health Institute
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth can have a profound impact on mood. Approximately 10% of women experience depression during pregnancy, and studies show that women who have been treated for depression before pregnancy are more likely to experience depression during pregnancy. Depression is a serious medical condition that poses risks for both mother and baby. That’s why it’s important for women who have had a history of depression, or are taking antidepressants, speak with their physician prior to trying to conceive. The good news is, there are highly effective treatment options available to manage depression during pregnancy, including individual and group therapy or counseling, and in some cases anti-depressant medication.
Postpartum mood changes are common due to the significant hormonal changes that occur immediately following childbirth. In fact, approximately 80% of women experience the “baby blues” – a period of heightened emotional sensitivity and mild depression which occurs within the first 10 days after delivery and may last about 1-2 weeks.
However, for about 10-15% of women, these symptoms are more profound and persistent. Called postpartum depression, this condition can occur within the first few weeks after childbirth and can persist up to one year or longer, if not treated. Postpartum depression is characterized by moderate-to-severe mood changes that can interfere with a woman’s ability to handle day-to-day tasks, including caring for her infant. Postpartum depression symptoms generally include:
Severe mood swings and intense irritability and anger
Overwhelming fatigue
Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Withdrawal from family and friends
Loss of interest in sex
Lack of joy in life
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
In some cases, postpartum depression is so severe that a woman may have thoughts of harming herself or her infant. In these cases, it is critical that a woman seek immediate medical attention.
In the case of depression, mild depressive episodes generally do not persist beyond a few weeks, nor does mild depression interfere with day-to-day function. Therefore, it’s important for a woman to see her physician when feelings of depression or anxiety are persistent and she is experiencing any of the following symptoms in addition to depression/anxiety:
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
Lack of interest in daily activities; lack of motivation
Withdrawal from friends/family
Loss of energy or slowed movement
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite
Restlessness, agitation
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or inadequacy
Thoughts or ideas about suicide, even if in passing (seek immediate medical care)
There are many highly effective treatment options available for treating mood disorders in women. The most common treatment options include:
Counseling, psychotherapy and support groups
Oral contraceptives
Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications
Lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating healthy
For more information about depression and other mood disorders, please speak with your physician, or click here to locate a Hoag-affiliated physician near you.