Antepartum depression (depression that occurs during pregnancy) affects as many as 10% of pregnant women. There are many factors that lead to antepartum depressions other than hormones, including age, environment, support systems, trauma, etc. Antepartum depression affects more than the mother, it can also lead to pre-term labor, and developmental delays. Women who suffer from Antepartum depression are at a 50% higher risk of developing Post Partum Depression (PPD).
Antepartum depression is treatable. Contact your doctor or midwife if you exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- persistent feelings of sadness
- hopelessness
- anxiety
- loss of interest in life
- changes in sleep and appetite
Ren
Orenda Boucher is a mom of 2 wonderful children, a network engineer by day, and a writer by desire. To help keep her sanity, she started http://www.spiritchasers.net in April 2003, a message board dedicated to helping parents of Spirited children, much like her own. Although originally hailing from Canada, she currently lives with her partner Mike, her children AJ and Gabby, and their cat Marvin in North Carolina.