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Pregnant and Depressed?

Find the Support You Need

By Heather Johnson Durocher

Other factors – such as financial worries or marital or job problems – can contribute to the depression.

Medication during pregnancy is tricky, experts say. Certainly the idea is to help the mom as much as possible while at the same time limiting possible negative effects on the fetus. Some medications have been linked to birth defects, which rules those out, while others have little or no data available on potential effects, explains Douglas. Physicians typically will err on the conservative side, she says.

"Luckily, we live in a day and age that a depression can be treated and managed well," she explains. "If the doctor recommends a drug, they really should take it. No doctor is going to put a pregnant woman on a drug she shouldn't be on."

And if you aren't pregnant yet but are concerned about depression when you do conceive? "What I always tell people is if you have a history of depression, you want to have a discussion with your doctor ahead of time," Douglas says. "Ideally, you should get on emotionally stable ground before pregnancy."

If medication isn't the answer for you, other options are available. A physician could recommend local resources, such as counseling services or support groups. Listings for this type of assistance may also be found in the phone book or online. An expectant mom's spouse or partner also may need support of this kind as they are struggling with their loved one's depression.

"Don't wait before seeking treatment; it can only improve your life," adds Rachel. "There is that shame, but you have to get over it to care for your children."

*Name has been changed