Seton Baby Talk

Pregnancy is a time of major change that affects both your body and your mind. Many of the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy can affect your mental well-being. Risk factors for developing depression during pregnancy and postpartum include:

• a family or personal history of depression, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric diagnoses,
• stressful life events (such as death of a loved one, separation or divorce)
• history of physical or sexual abuse
• lack of marital or social support

If you have a history of depression, or other mental health conditions, your health care provider needs to be aware incase problems develop. If you are currently being treated for depression or other mental health conditions, your treatment may need to be adjusted during pregnancy. Do not hesitate to talk to your health care providers about any concerns you may have. It is not unusual to develop mixed feelings or resentments during pregnancy or while adjusting to life with a new baby. However, if you develop symptoms of depression you should report them to your doctor. Symptoms include significant changes in anxiety, guilt, mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and ability to concentrate. Crying spells and irritability are common, but should lessen within 2 weeks following delivery. Lack of sleep/extreme exhaustion has been linked to more serious symptoms of postpartum depressions, so you should allow others to help with household chores and care of children whenever possible. At any time, if you develop thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek medical attention immediately. The Austina rea 24-Hour Crisis hotline is 472-HELP (4357).