Pregnancy is a time of joy, anticipation… and mood swings. But when those ups and downs turn to depression, many women – and their partners – are left wondering what to do.
A recent WiserPregnancy survey has found that the majority of pregnant women don’t try to manage the condition on their own. Two-thirds of pregnant women turn to their doctors for help. (The other one-third don’t seek help.)
Why seek treatment? For one, depression can put mothers and babies at risk for serious problems during pregnancy and after delivery. If you’re depressed, you may have trouble eating or sleeping, and you may be more likely to self-medicate with alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Also, depressed moms-to-be are more likely to neglect prenatal care.
