Pregnant and Postpartum Depression

Pregnant and Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression).

• During pregnancy, 14-23% of women will have symptoms of depression.
• There is a possible increased risk of pre-term delivery and low infant birth weight in women with depression during pregnancy.
• 50-80% of women experience mild postpartum depression, characterized by mood swings, crying and irritability for 3 to 10 days postpartum.
• 10% of women develop a much more severe depression 3 to 4 months postpartum.
• 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 women develop a psychosis characterized by hallucinations and delusions within 2 weeks postpartum.
• Women with a previous history of depression or psychiatric complications after delivery are particularly at risk.

Peripartum depression is marked by symptoms of:

• Difficulty sleeping and excessive fatigue.
• Appetite changes.
• Decreased libido.
• Depressed mood and loss of pleasure.
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness.

• Aged 18-45.
• Pregnant (any trimester) or Postpartum (with infants less than 12 months old).
• Experiencing sadness or depression.
• Also those not experiencing depression or sadness.
  May be eligible to participate.