Treating PMS and PMDD

Many women find improvement by exercising, taking vitamins and avoiding caffeine. For individuals with severe symptoms, medicine, individual and group psychotherapy, stress management, or marital therapy can be helpful.

Depression in Pregnancy

Pregnancy has long been viewed as a period of well-being that protected women against psychiatric disorders. But depression occurs almost as commonly in pregnant women as it does in those who are not pregnant.

What Factors Increase My Risk of Being Depressed in Pregnancy?

The factors which increase the risk of depression during pregnancy are:

• Having a history of depression or PMDD.
• Age at time of pregnancy -- the younger you are, the higher the risk.
• Living alone.
• Limited social support.
• Marital conflict.
• Uncertainty about the pregnancy.

What is the Impact of Depression on Pregnancy?

The potential impact of depression on a pregnancy include:

• It can interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself during pregnancy. She may be less able to follow medical recommendations, and sleep and eat properly.
• Depression can cause a woman to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs, which could harm the baby.
• Depression can make bonding with the baby difficult.

How Does Pregnancy Impact Depression?

Pregnancy may impact depression by:

• The stresses of pregnancy can cause depression or a recurrence or worsening of depression symptoms.
• Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk for having depression after delivery (postpartum depression, see below).

So What are My Options if I'm Depressed During My Pregnancy?

Preparing for a new baby is lots of hard work, but your health should come first. Resist the urge to get everything done, cut down on your chores, and do things that will help you to relax. In addition, talking about things that concern you is very important. Talk to your friends, your partner and your family. If you ask for support, you will find you often get it.

If all else fails and you're still feeling down and anxious, consider seeking therapy. Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral to a mental healthcare professional.

Treating Depression During Pregnancy

Growing evidence suggests that many of the currently available antidepressant medicines are safe for treating depression during pregnancy, at least in terms of short-term effects on the baby. Long-term effects have not been properly studied. You should discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor.

Depression After the Birth of a Child

Postpartum depression, depression following childbirth, is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that are attributed to the chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby. For more on this condition, including causes and treatments, see the article on postpartum depression.

Perimenopause and Menopause and Depression

Perimenopause is the stage of a woman's reproductive life that begins 8 to 10 years before menopause. During this time the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the decrease in estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women experience menopausal symptoms.