I am 29 years old and 21 weeks pregnant. I have been feeling blue for some time. I assumed I would have a lovely pregnancy and be one of these women who blooms and feels just perfect. Instead, I am anxious about a lot of things, including my ever expanding belly. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and is currently teaching in the nurse-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota.
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders.
Lifetime prevalence rates for major depression for adults are 5.8 percent, although the prevalence rates for women are about 8 percent. Depression postpartum is a well-recognized phenomenon. However, depression during pregnancy is less well understood. It is defined as the occurrence of depressed moods or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with at least four other symptoms during the same two week period. These symptoms may include disturbances in appetite, weight, sleep, motor activity, energy, concentration or the presence of suicidal thoughts and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.