How to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

Postpartum depression. Prenatal depression. Postnatal depression. The baby blues. The names are many, but they all refer to the same thing.

Depression during pregnancy is not uncommon--the Canadian Paediatric Society reports that up to 10 percent of pregnant women suffer from the mood disorder, but it is important that it be treated. Hormone imbalances associated with depression--in addition to the fact that depressed women are less likely to take care of themselves and receive less prenatal care--can result in miscarriages, premature delivery and low birth weights.

Read on to discover ways to treat depression during pregnancy.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn as much as you can about depression. Know what it is and what the symptoms are. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. Unfortunately, identifying depression in pregnant women is difficult as many of the symptoms are also associated with pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.

  It is also important to be aware of how depression can be treated so you know what your options are.

• 2

  Develop a support network. Lean on family and friends. They care about you and will be willing to do whatever they can to help, even if it's just lending an ear. It also feels wonderful to get everything off your chest. There's a wealth of parent educational groups and community services that can give you the social support you need. Check online for related forums and advice. Most important, talk things out with your significant other--he's a part of this, too. Be sure to spend time together to nurture your relationship.

• 3

  Take care of yourself. Your health directly effects that of your unborn child. Being mentally, spiritually and physically healthy are powerful weapons when battling depression. Take breaks, and get plenty of sleep to reduce stress. Try meditation or enroll in a prenatal yoga class. Do something for yourself. Read a book, go shopping, take a long walk or let someone else cook dinner tonight. Maintain a healthful diet, and don't forget to exercise.

• 4

  Seek professional help. Whether it's individual, group or family therapy, talking to a nonjudgmental third party can help you vocalize your thoughts and feelings. It also provides problem-solving skills and tactics. Psychotherapy can be done on its own or in combination with medication.

  Studies show that many depressed patients have low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Bright light increases serotonin levels, lessening the effects of depression. Special therapy lights are sold for this purpose, but they can be expensive. Spending more time out in the sun is a much cheaper way to get the same outcome.

  Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is another option. Also known as shock therapy, ECT has not had the best reputation, but many advancements have been made through the years and it is now considered to be very safe. ECT is only recommended for extremely severe cases.

• 5

  Consider medical treatment. Medications should only be used under the care of a practitioner with experience in antidepressants during pregnancy. Popular antidepressants on the market include Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and Celexa. St. John's Wort is an herbal medication also used to treat depression. However, very little is known about the drug's effect on fetuses. Speak with your health care provider before taking any drug.

  Unfortunately, the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy and breastfeeding is still uncertain. Although most medications are considered relatively safe, there are always risks involved.