Pregnancy and Depression

Low-income pregnant and new mothers with diabetes have twice the risk of experiencing depression during and after pregnancy than women without diabetes, according to a study in the February 25 issue of JAMA.

Depression during the perinatal period (often considered as the last several months of pregnancy and the year following childbirth) affects at least 10 percent to 12 percent of new mothers, and approximately 2 percent to 9 percent of pregnancies are complicated by diabetes. Prior studies have established an association between diabetes and depressive disorders in general adult populations.

The researchers found that women with any form of diabetes were significantly more likely to experience some indication of depression during pregnancy or postpartum. This association remained consistent across the various types of diabetes.

It is imperative that you take care of yourself while you are pregnant and be honest with yourself if you are experiencing any depression symptoms whatsoever so you can get the help you need.

GETTING HELP

1. Visit AmericanPregnancy.org to find out more about pregnancy and depression and about how you can find help and support.
2. Six Strategies to Help Avoid Prenatal Depression (iVillage)
3. Depression and Pregnancy (Web MD)
4. Depression During Pregnancy (Baby Center)

Source