Depression

Untreated depression can cause serious problems for you and your baby.  Depression can make you less likely to take good care of yourself during pregnancy. It could cause you to neglect your prenatal appointments, eat unhealthy food and even do things that could harm your baby like smoke or drink alcohol. There’s a risk of premature birth, low birth weight or other problems that could affect your baby’s health.

Some women with untreated depression during pregnancy go on to have depression after childbirth, called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression could make it more difficult for you to bond with and care for your baby.

If you have depression – feelings of sadness, anger or negativity:

• Talk with your obstetrician about seeing a psychiatrist/therapist or taking an antidepressant
• If you’re on a medication for depression, make an appointment to talk with your obstetrician before trying to get pregnant. Continue your medication unless you and your provider agree that you should. Stopping your medications can make your depression worse
• If possible, plan your pregnancy for a time when your depression is well controlled
• Eat well, get enough rest and stay active – they’ll all make you feel better
• Do things you enjoy