How Mental Health Affects Pregnancy

Risks of Depression and Pregnancy

Navigating pregnancy can be complex with so many changes happening – changes to your body, your hormones, your finances and your lifestyle. If you have a history of depression before becoming pregnant, you are at an increased risk of developing a mental health or mood disorder during pregnancy or shortly after. ² It is also important to note that increased anxiety can occur with other conditions during or after pregnancy such as:

• Pre-eclampsia: High blood pressure levels and/or kidney damage
• Eclampsia: High blood pressure in pregnancy leading to convulsions, coma, and possibly death to the mother
• Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar levels seen in pregnancy in women that don’t normally have high blood sugar
• Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: A blood disorder that happens when the mom and baby have blood types that are not compatible

It’s normal to have emotional changes as situations in life change. Sadness that comes and goes as a result of changes at work, your relationships, and your body is a normal part of life. The danger comes if these short periods of sadness become more intense over time, they don’t go away, and they keep you from doing your daily activities. In this case, you may be experiencing depression.⁴

You should seek help when trying to cope with changes in your mental health. Though it may be difficult, reach out to your health care provider to help you manage your mental health in a way that works best for your situation, especially if you are pregnant.

Untreated or unrecognized depression and stress in pregnancy carries significant risks for you and your unborn baby.^5-7 There is an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders during the perinatal period. Untreated depression during pregnancy can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and depression after pregnancy which can negatively impact your mother-child relationship.

One study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, reports that anxiety and depression during pregnancy can cause harm to your baby with lasting effects beyond birth.

Signs that you may need help with your mental health

It’s important to care for your body and your mind during your pregnancy and after birth. Don’t dismiss any lingering feelings of despair because you expect pregnancy to be stressful. The Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all pregnant women be screened for depression at least once during the perinatal period.

Some signs and symptoms of depression may be mistaken as normal changes associated with pregnancy because they can look similar. It’s always better to double check with your physician to determine if you feel you are experiencing depression.

Here are a few signs that what you are experiencing may be more than normal levels of stress and anxiety⁸:

• Consistent feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or regret
• A significant decrease in energy levels
• An inability to concentrate or focus
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Headaches and digestive problems
• Little to no interest or pleasure in doing things
• Changes in thoughts or behaviors that disrupt your ability to function normally

If you have thoughts of suicide, harming yourself or others, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide Lifeline for help. There are people available 24/7 who are trained and willing to help.

What’s next?

Black women are at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders during and after pregnancy because of racism and racial discrimination. Follow our NOWINCLUDED member, Tiffany, through her pregnancy journey by watching the video below, and read the next article on Maternal Mental Health and Black Women.