The months of pregnancy are filled with joy and excitement, but can also bring stress, anxiety, and fear. Studies show that 7-9% or more of pregnant women experience depression during pregnancy (Prenatal Depression).  (1)

If you're struggling with prenatal depression, you may feel persistent sadness, hopelessness, and negative thoughts that interfere with your daily life and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. If you notice these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical support—the right treatment can help you feel better and enjoy this special time.  (1)

Symptoms of depression during pregnancy

It is normal to experience some mood swings and anxiety during your pregnancy, and they don’t always mean you have depression, however, if you’re experiencing the following symptoms consistently, you may be dealing with prenatal depression: (2)

• Feeling persistently sad most of the time
• Becoming easily irritated or angry even over small things
• Losing interest in people or activities that once brought you joy
• Changes in appetite, whether it's excessive eating or a complete loss of appetite
• Negative thoughts about yourself or your baby, such as worrying you won’t be able to care for them properly
• Feeling overwhelmed with guilt or self-blame
• Difficulty focusing or feeling mentally scattered
• Struggling to make decisions.

If these feelings are becoming a regular part of your life, it’s important not to ignore or dismiss them. Prenatal depression is real, but it is also treatable. Getting the right support can make a difference, allowing you to navigate pregnancy and motherhood with more ease. Reach out to your doctor and talk about what you're feeling.

Causes of depression during pregnancy

First, it’s important to understand that depression can affect any pregnant woman, regardless of her age, income, lifestyle, or education level. It is not something you caused or could have prevented—it is not your fault.

Research shows that there is no single cause of prenatal depression. Instead, it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, some of the most common factors include: (3)(4)

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can significantly affect mood and trigger depression.
• Physical and lifestyle changes during pregnancy, such as pregnancy symptoms, the emotional and physical demands of motherhood, and fears about the future, which can increase stress and anxiety.
• A personal or family history of depression, mood disorders, or previous prenatal depression.
• Difficult life circumstances or psychological stress, like financial difficulties, work pressure, or other personal challenges.

When Should You See a Doctor?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant women be screened for depression at least once during pregnancy. 

This evaluation involves a set of questions from your doctor, and based on your responses, he can assess your condition.(1)

It’s also important to seek medical advice if you notice any symptoms of depression, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening or continuing after birth.

If you need support our Mental Health Department at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital is here to provide the care you need to navigate this stage.

Treating Depression During Pregnancy

Seeking treatment is an important step to protect yourself and your baby from its potential risks and complications, there are several treatment options available, including: (4)(5)

Therapy and Counseling

Talking to a therapist can help you develop strategies to manage negative emotions and cope with stress in a healthy way.

Medication

medication may be necessary in some cases, your doctor will carefully select the safest and most effective option for you based on your condition. Make sure not to take antidepressant medications without medical supervision and to follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage as is.

Lifestyle Tips

In addition to medical treatment, making small lifestyle changes can also help improve your emotional well-being: (2)(5)

• Talk about your feelings with a trusted friend or family member.
• Deep breathing and relaxation exercises whenever negative thoughts arise.
• Pregnancy-safe physical activities, such as walking or prenatal yoga.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Rest and have enough sleep.
• Connect with other pregnant women to share experiences and support.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prenatal depression or reduce the risk of developing it. However, if it does occur, it can be managed and treated effectively using the approaches outlined in this article. (3)

References

1. Mayo Clinic - Depression during pregnancy: You're not alone
2. NHS UK - Depression During Pregnancy
3. Cleveland Clinic - Prenatal Depression: Symptoms and Causes
4. NIMH - Perinatal Depression
5. Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby - Depression and Pregnancy