Pregnancy is a time of happiness and holds special place in a woman’s life still along with all the physical changes there are a lot of emotional turmoil that a woman has to go through. Depression has become a common concern among pregnant woman with 10 to 20% of pregnant woman facing some form of depression.

Many a time women are not able to know that they are in depression as most of the symptoms mimic those of pregnancy such as mood swings, low energy level etc. Some of the symptoms that should ring a bell for you are : Feeling extremely sad / no sense of joy at all, Crying or feeling agitated on small things, Feeling worthless, Extreme fatigue and Extreme increase of decrease in appetite. Mostly 2-3 symptoms occurring simultaneously is a sign of depression. If you are going through some of the above symptoms it is good to consult your doctor.

Some of the common factors for depression could be:

• Fertility Treatments
• Difficulties in relationship
• Miscarriage in previous pregnancies
• Having problems in pregnancy
• Stress in day to day life
• Gone through abuse in past
• Family history of depression
• Unplanned pregnancy

Depression can be treated among pregnant woman using an antidepressant. But make sure you do not take any medication without a doctor’s recommendation. Many a times a psychiatrist can also be very helpful in getting you out of depression.
One can prevent depression by taking care of yourself emotionally. Here are some tips to help you keep you emotionally strong:

• Do not keep your worries to yourself. Talk about these worries to your husband, friends and family members.
• Try to keep yourself relaxed, by eating well, having good sleep and exercising well. Practise yoga or meditation to get some peace and relieve yourself from stress.
• Spend good time with your husband and other family members to have a good bond on which you can rely on during this time and after having the baby.
• Take out time for yourself and spend time doing what you like. It is very important to take care of yourself as that is how you will be caring for your baby.