Depression during pregnancy involves a woman feeling sad, negative, angry and anxious while being pregnant. The pregnant woman may feel that her depression is so far from the image of an ideal pregnancy that she cannot imagine anyone believing or understanding how she feels. The pregnant woman may feel ashamed and think that she is already a bad mother. These thoughts may recur or spiral into a deeper depression for her.

• Depressed mood or extreme sadness
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Guilty thoughts or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Restlessness, lack of control, or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or organizing thoughts
• Feelings of guilt or inadequacy as a mother-to-be
• Changes in sleep or appetite e.g. sleeping or eating too little or too much
• Withdrawing from partner, family, friends, co-workers
• Thoughts of suicide or other frightening thoughts of hurting others

• Previous history of postpartum depression
• Previous history of depression
• Family history (blood relatives) of depression, especially postpartum depression
• Poor social support- social isolation, poverty
• Stressful life events (death of a loved one, divorce, job change, moving, relationship break-ups, immigrating or becoming a refugee)
• Marital problems
• Young age during pregnancy
• Having infants with health problems or finding them to have a difficult temperament
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Victim of abuse and/or violence
• Chronic/acute maternal health problems, poor coping styles

Women who are depressed often stop going to their prenatal appointments and do not get the care they need to have a healthy baby. Aside from not going to her appointments she may not be eating or sleeping well. All of these things can cause medical problems such as her baby being born too early or being born very small. Women who feel this way may turn to alcohol or drugs in order to deal with their depression. All of these things put her and her baby at risk. If depression during pregnancy is left untreated, it will likely get worse once the baby is born and can lead to postpartum depression.

Many symptoms normal for pregnancy can also be similar to some of the symptoms of depression. It may not be easy for your Health Care Provider to diagnose your depression right away. This is why it is so important that you talk to your Health Care Provider openly about how you feel every time you visit them. Be sure to tell your Health Care provider:

• How strong your emotions are e.g. how sad you feel
• How often you have these emotions e.g. how often you cry
• How your emotions are affecting your life, your ability to take care of yourself, your home, work or your interactions with your partner, family and friends
• How much you are sleeping or eating- very little or too much
• Whether you have had any feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts

If you are not comfortable speaking with your Health Care Provider, find someone else to talk with. It is so important that someone knows what you are dealing with and can try to help you. Never try to face depression alone. Your baby needs you to seek help and get treatment.

You can also call:

Parent Talk Information Line and speak to a public health nurse at
1-905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ex 7555

Community Crisis Care (Niagara Health System) and speak to a crisis worker who is available by phone 7days/week from 9am-5pm
905-378-4647
ex 43230 (St. Catharines)
ex 54919 (Niagara Falls)
ex 33407 (Welland)

Distress Center of Niagara and speak to a trained volunteer for emotional support or crisis intervention who is available by phone 24hours/7days/week at:
St Catharines- 905-688-3711
Grimsby/West Lincoln- 905-563-6674
Fort Erie- 905-382-0689
Welland- 905-734-1212

Depending on the severity of the depression, your situation and your Health Care Provider's recommendations, there are a variety of treatment options. Some women may benefit from one or all of the following:

• Supportive Counselling
• Private Counselling
• Family and Marital Counselling
• Support Groups
• Antidepressant Medication- some Health Care Providers may prescribe anti-depressants. There are medications available with little risk to your developing baby. If you are already taking an antidepressant, talk to your Health Care Provider. Do not stop taking your medications without consulting your Health Care Provider.
• Hormone Therapy
• Relaxation/Massage Therapy
• Bright Light Therapy