Prenatal depression is a type of depression that occurs during pregnancy. It can cause symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the unborn baby.
Risk Factors for Prenatal Depression & Postpartum Depression During Pregnancy (prenatal)
- History of substance abuse
- History of depression
- Family history of mental health problems
- Minimal support from family and friends
- Anxiety about pregnancy
- Problems with previous pregnancies and/or births
- Marital problems / relationship problems
- Uninvolved partner
- Financial problems
- Work problems
- Young age / old age of mother
After Pregnancy (postpartum) Depression after pregnancy is also called postpartum depression. During pregnancy, women’s bodies have an increase of hormones. Within 24 hours of delivery, the amount of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body quickly drop. The rapid change in hormonal levels may contribute to depression. Similar to the way hormonal shifts around menstruation may impact mood. Sometimes levels of thyroid hormones drop. Low thyroid levels can cause symptoms of depression. To test thyroid levels, doctors can do a simple blood test, and depending upon the results medication for thyroids will be prescribed.
How long does prenatal depression last?
The duration of prenatal depression can vary from woman to woman and depends on several factors such as the severity of symptoms, the presence of other health conditions, and the type of treatment received. For some women, prenatal depression may last only a few weeks or months, while for others it may persist throughout the pregnancy or even after giving birth. Treatment is available and can help reduce the symptoms of prenatal depression and improve quality of life.
How long does postpartum depression last?
The duration of postpartum depression can vary for each woman and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In some cases, postpartum depression can persist for a year or more if left untreated. The severity and duration of symptoms can be affected by factors such as the woman's prior mental health history, the support she receives, and the presence of other stressors in her life. Early detection and treatment are important to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for the mother and her family. A combination of therapy, medication, and support from loved ones can be effective in managing postpartum depression.
Maternal depression during pregnancy can have both short-term and long-term impacts on an unborn child. Some of these impacts include:
- Poor fetal growth: Depression during pregnancy has been linked to poor fetal growth and low birth weight.
- Premature birth: Maternal depression has been associated with an increased risk of premature birth.
- Neurodevelopment: Studies have shown that maternal depression during pregnancy can impact the child's neurodevelopment, potentially leading to behavioral and emotional problems later in life.
- Cognitive development: Children of mothers who experienced depression during pregnancy may have reduced cognitive development and academic achievement.
- Bonding: Depression during pregnancy can impact a mother's ability to bond with her baby, which is important for the baby's overall development.
Depression is not the fault of the new mom. The hormonal surges are real and can influence ones moods. Sometimes life just happens. You can't control everything. Be kind to yourself. With that being said, it is important to note that these impacts can be mitigated or prevented with appropriate treatment and support for the mother. Call us today, or talk with your doctor. Help is available.
The Center for Growth has offices in multiple states. If you prefer to speak to a live therapist, call our intake department at 215 - 922 - 5683 x 100 or go to a therapist's biography page and call the therapist of your choice directly. Every therapist has their phone number listed on their bio page.
OUR PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION GUARANTEE: you deserve the best therapist possible. If you don't feel like the therapist that you met with was the right fit, then free of charge you can try out a different therapist. Being in a group practices allows for flexibility.
The Center for Growth Has Therapy Offices in PA, NJ, VA, GA, NM, FL
- Ocean City Therapy Office
360 West Ave, Floor 1, Ocean City, NJ 08226 - Mechanicsville Therapy Office
9044 Mann Drive, Mechanicsville Virginia, 23116 - Alpharetta Office
11720 Amber Park Drive, Suite 160, Alpharetta GA 30006 - Society Hill Therapy Office
233 S. 6th Street, C-33, Philadelphia PA 19106 - Art Museum / Fairmount Therapy Office
2401 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 1a2, Philadelphia PA 19130 - Santa Fe Therapy Office, 2204 B Brothers Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505
- Telemedicine: We have therapists who are licensed to work in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Virginia New Mexico and Pennsylvania
Counseling & Therapy Services
1) Individual Counseling Services
2) Child Therapy & Teen Therapy
3) Art Therapy
Listed Below Are Some Of The Therapeutic Services That Therapists At TCFG Works With. TCFG was founded in 1997. The best way to learn about us is to spend some time reading the different self help articles that we have written. They are all written by our own therapists. The self help articles stem from the clinical work that we do with our actual clients.
ADHD / ADD, Dyslexia, Autism, and Tourettes
Anxiety, OCD, Panic Therapy Services
Anger Management Therapy
Babyloss Therapy / Pregnancy Loss
Depression Therapy Services
Eating Disorders Treatment
Grief & Loss Therapy Services
Personality Issues (Narcissism, Borderline...)
Shame Therapy Services
Sex Addiction Therapy / Porn Addiction / Internet Addiction Therapy
Sex Therapy: Sexual function & dysfunction treatment
Trauma Therapy Services
Relationship Problems
