Coping With Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy

Research has shown that up to 33 percent of women experience clinical depression or an anxiety disorder at some point during pregnancy. Yet some studies indicate that fewer than 20 percent seek treatment, and that treatment is often inadequate, says Healy Smith, M.D., a reproductive psychiatrist at the Women's Mental Health Clinic at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. "The myth that pregnant women must be happy is still really prevalent," Dr. Smith explains. "Because of that, treatment providers may be less likely to inquire into a woman's mental state, and a woman might feel ashamed to bring it up." But you don't have to suffer -- there are safe ways to treat depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

It can be tricky to diagnose mood disorders during pregnancy because "some of the symptoms can overlap with symptoms of pregnancy, such as changes in appetite, energy levels, concentration, or sleep," Dr. Smith says. "It's also normal to have some degree of worry over the health of the pregnancy." But if you experience persistent symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, especially if you're unable to function normally, get help.

Symptoms of depression include:

    Being in a depressed mood most of the time for at least two weeks
    No longer enjoying the things you used to enjoy
    Decreased interest in the world around you
    Guilt
    A sense of worthlessness
    Low energy
    Poor concentration
    Appetite changes
    Feeling hopeless
    Thoughts of suicide
    Getting too much sleep, or not enough sleep

The symptoms of anxiety vary by type of anxiety disorder, and include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

    Excessive worry that's difficult to control
    Irritability
    Tension/muscle aches
    Disrupted sleep patterns
    Feeling restless inside
    Fatigue
    Poor concentration