Depression during pregnancy, also known as prenatal depression, is a serious but common condition that can affect women during pregnancy. Symptoms of prenatal depression can include feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless; having trouble sleeping or concentrating; and losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable. If left untreated, prenatal depression can lead to a number of problems for both the mother and the baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems.
Fortunately, there are a number of things that women can do to help avoid depression during pregnancy. These include: