Depression during pregnancy is a health condition that needs to be paid attention in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy without any complications to the mother and the child. It is a fact that nearly 10%-20% of pregnant women are afflicted with depression. The cause of depression in pregnant women is attributed to hormonal imbalances that change the brain chemistry during pregnancy.

Just a few years ago, doctors thought that your body produced chemicals that helped with depression while you're pregnant. In reality, it's the opposite: Depression during pregnancy often happens as a result of hormonal imbalances caused by your pregnancy, because your body needs to prepare for the oncoming baby.

Worrying thoughts about yourself and the baby can make you feel stressed about the well-being of your baby. You probably already know about new findings stating that everything that you experience also the baby will. As a result you start feeling guilty that makes the situation even worse.

Common theory has held that pregnancy creates a wholly new "hormonal mix" that typically "protects" women during pregnancy. However, a number of women are "falling through the cracks" and don't conform to this theory. So, what's contributing to depression in pregnancy? Usual suspects include hormones, stress, health, money matters, kids and husbands, a recent period of infertility.

Pregnancy is a life-altering event that can cause women to feel anxious, scared and often stressed. Prenatal depression seems to be increased in the first trimester, suggesting it is the time of maximum vulnerability. Experts believe that the rapid increase in hormone levels at the start of pregnancy can disrupt brain chemistry and lead to depression.

Depression in pregnancy results from the hormonal secretion in the mother’s body which is required to support the development of baby. There are several external factors which lead pregnant women to feel depressed. other These factors can be the levels of stress arising from health matters, finances required to support the pregnancy treatment and the baby after delivery, other kids, relationship with the spouse and other family members, previous experience of infertility etc.

Possible triggers of depression during pregnancy include marital problems, abuse or trauma and stressful events. Other probable causes are previous pregnancy loss, complications in pregnancy as well as family or personal history of the condition. When you feel like you are struggling with the condition, it is important for you to seek help. Treatment can involve the use of medications and psychotherapy. There are also support groups that can help you to overcome the situation.

If the depression in the women is severe then medication treatment is preferred. Only those medicines are prescribed which have minimum side effects otherwise it can cause complications during pregnancy and delivery. If you are unable to discuss your problem with the doctor frankly then you can choose any other person who is aware of your situation and showing any interest to help you.

Depression and anxiety may not be diagnosed because pregnant women often do not give serious consideration to their feelings, and simply take it for granted as normal mood changes during pregnancy. So when you are depressed, do not feel ashamed to tell the doctor. Mental health is as important as physical health. In fact, mood changes will also affect your health.

Read about Week By Week Pregnancy and also read about Pregnancy Week 31 and Pregnancy Week 32