Women and Depression:
Know the Facts

Depression in Pregnancy

Treating Depression

The Women's Health
Program Salutes...
Dr. Sheila Marcus,
Department of Psychiatry

New Women's Health
Resource

Women's Mental Health
Research Update

About Women's Health

Depression can be difficult for women when it occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Particularly if the pregnancy is a desired one, women can't figure out why they "feel so bad" during a time in which they expected to feel so good. At other times, the stress of an unexpected pregnancy or risks associated with a high-risk pregnancy can contribute to depression.

During pregnancy, up to 10% of women will experience depression. Often the symptoms of depression are ignored or misdiagnosed because many of the symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, weight change, and other bodily symptoms, mimic those of depression. Many women suffer needlessly because they do not ask for help. When depression is severe, women may not eat properly, get adequate rest, or receive prenatal care. These factors may contribute to premature and low-birth-weight infants.

The postpartum period is a time of extreme vulnerability to depression. Up to 80% of women experience a phenomenon called the "postpartum blues." This is a brief period during which women are tearful or extremely sensitive and may be more moody. Sometimes sleep is a problem. The "blues" usually resolve without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. About 12% to 15% of women develop postpartum depression. This involves more significant symptoms of depression which women begin to experience within a few days of giving birth, and may continue to experience for weeks or months following delivery.

Women who are most vulnerable to depression in pregnancy or postpartum are those who have a personal or family history of depression. Those who have had prior episodes of depression in postpartum will experience a recurrence following the next delivery about half the time. Single women, those in nonsupportive relationships, and women with multiple children also may be more at risk.

Fortunately, the vast majority of depression is treatable. Sometimes, in the hopelessness of depression, women believe their condition is "incurable." These women should be educated about the many treatment options available to help depression. Successful treatment of depression helps women's symptoms and helps ensure a safe pregnancy and comfortable postpartum period.

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