Pregnancy Depression Often Not Treated

Previous Depression Makes Women More Vulnerable During Pregnancy

By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Health News

May 20, 2003 -- Depression during pregnancy is far too common -- and too often ignored. One in five pregnant women are depressed, but few are getting treatment for their depression.

That's the finding from a new study, published in the Journal of Women's Health.

Studies have shown depressed mothers have a higher risk of preterm births and complications such as preeclampsia, and their babies have lower birth weights. Pregnant women who suffer from depression are also at risk for postpartum depression, while their children can suffer from behavioral problems and delayed cognitive and language development.

"A woman's childbearing years are also her highest-risk time for depression," says lead researcher Sheila Marcus, MD, a psychiatry professor at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, in a news release.

"Doctors used to think of pregnancy as a 'honeymoon' away from depression risk, but this is turning out to be a myth," she adds. "We now know that the hormones and brain chemistry involved in depression are known to be affected by changes in other hormones related to pregnancy. And we know this may affect the fetus."

Marcus' study involved 3,472 pregnant women from 10 Michigan obstetrics clinics. Each took a survey that assessed whether they were distressed or had depressive symptoms.

A full 20% of women -- one in five -- had high scores indicating depression during pregnancy. However, only 14% of the depressed women were receiving any mental health counseling, drugs, or other treatment.

The women with a history of depression were more likely to have depression during pregnancy, and to have poorer overall health, drink alcohol, and smoke, she adds.

Pregnancy is a "vulnerable time" for women, writes Marcus. In fact, a previous bout of depression before pregnancy nearly doubles a woman's risk of depression during pregnancy, she adds.

She notes, too, that some antidepressant drugs have been shown to be safe during pregnancy -- with no higher risk of birth defects, IQ, or learning problems.

"Women need to be educated about the signs of depression. They also should be encouraged to be open about depression during pregnancy and after delivery, rather than feeling guilty and embarrassed," Marcus says.

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