Should you fear prenatal or postpartum depression?

While many expect pregnancy to be a time of joy and excitement, the reality often includes a mix of emotions, and it's common to experience some ups and downs. However, when feelings of sadness linger, it could be a sign of depression, a condition that often goes undiagnosed during pregnancy and postpartum. Here’s what you need to know and why prevention is key for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

What is Perinatal Depression?

Perinatal depression is the overwhelming feeling of sadness or a persistently low mood that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery. This condition includes both pregnancy and postpartum depression (PPD). While postpartum depression gathers more attention, affecting about 14% of new mothers (or one in seven mothers), depression during pregnancy is equally significant yet less frequently reported. Furthermore, the recurrence rate of postnatal depression is significant (25% to 68%).^1,2

How Common is Depression During Pregnancy?

Mood swings in the first trimester are perfectly normal due to hormonal changes, but persistent mood swings into the second trimester that disrupt daily activities may indicate a more serious issue.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 10% of pregnant women experience depression, with actual numbers possibly higher due to underreporting and inconsistent screening.

Similarly, it’s common to experience mood swings known as “baby blues” after birth due to your hormone levels going up and down after childbirth. However, if symptoms last longer than two weeks, you may have postpartum depression.

Perinatal Depression Symptoms

Symptoms of perinatal depression may include:

Sadness or episodes of crying
Severe mood swings
Irritability and anger
Excessive crying and emotional numbness
Overwhelming lack of energy
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Anxiety and panic attacks
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in eating or sleep patterns
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Can Having Depression While Pregnant Affect My Baby?

Yes, untreated depression during pregnancy or postpartum can negatively affect both the mother and the baby. It has been linked to poor prenatal care, inadequate nutrition, poor sleep, and harmful behaviors such as smoking and substance use. All of these may result in developmental problems for the baby, or lead to miscarriage, baby growth restriction, premature birth and low birth weight. Untreated depression during pregnancy can also cause excessive weight gain, which can lead to conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes and affect fetal development.

In the long-term, children of mothers with perinatal depression are at an increased risk of cognitive, emotional, developmental and verbal deficits, impaired social skills and behavioral problems.

How is Depression Treated or Prevented During Pregnancy?

Addressing depression during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby. Intervention options include:

1. Supplements: A diet lacking in certain vitamins, minerals, or other key nutrients can lead to perinatal depression in some women. Correcting this deficiency with supplements may help prevent perinatal depression.

Omega 3	Lower Omega-3 levels have been associated with higher rates of perinatal depression.³Omega-3 fatty acids affect a range of functions such as neurotransmitters, hormones and cognitive processes.
Iron	Iron deficiency is associated with depression, stress and cognitive functioning. Iron supplementation has shown to significantly improve depression and stress levels in postnatal mothers.⁴
Vitamin D	Reduced Vitamin D levels are linked to depression. Vitamin D is involved in the biosynthesis of neurotrophic factors and helps detoxify pathways.⁵
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	B2 may help decrease the risk of developing perinatal depression and positively affect the mood disorder⁶, according to a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Magnesium	Research suggests that magnesium may help reduce the risk of developing a perinatal depression. It helps maintain hydration, support sleep, lower blood pressure, all of which are crucial for overall health and can impact mood positively.⁷
Probiotics	Specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus Rhamnosus have shown to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by influencing gut health and the gut-brain connection. According to a study, women taking this strain during and after pregnancy reported lower depression and anxiety levels.⁸

2. Lifestyle adjustments: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining healthy diet and ensuring sufficient sleep can improve symptoms. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy can help as well.

3. Support systems: Access to counseling and support groups can provide emotional relief and practical advice.

Why it’s important to treat it?

Addressing perinatal depression is crucial as it affects the mother's ability to interact and bond with her baby.^9,10This condition can also lead to a negative perception of the baby’s behavior¹¹that can cause attachment insecurity.¹²Perinatal depression can potentially result in baby experiencing delayed cognitive development^12,13, challenges with social interactions^14,15, difficulties in language development¹⁶, attention issues¹⁷, and long-term behavioral problems.¹⁸Other reported outcomes include marital stress leading to separation or divorce.^19,20Early intervention and prevention are better than treatment to ensure family stability and the well-being of both mother and child.

Are antidepressants unsafe during pregnancy?

The use of antidepressants during pregnancy is a complex issue. These medications can cross the placental barrier, potentially leading to neonatal withdrawal symptoms and other health issues in the newborn. There are also concerns about the potential unknown effects of antidepressants on both the fetus and infant. The decision to use antidepressants should be made carefully, considering the potential risks and benefits. Always speak to your doctor before starting or stopping any medications.

Why supplements are the best natural treatment for preventing perinatal depression?

Dietary supplements offer a natural and often effective way to mitigate the risk of perinatal depression. They typically can address nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to mood disorders. Compared to other treatments, supplements are an inexpensive and readily available form of intervention. Supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron and probiotics have been shown to support mental health during and after pregnancy.

How Can BabyRx Help?

BabyRx offers products designed to support mothers' nutritional needs during and after pregnancy, helping prevent deficiencies that may contribute to mood disorders such as perinatal depression.

BabyRx Prenatal Complete+ provides essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, Riboflavin and vitamin D, which are crucial for maintaining a balanced mood and overall health during pregnancy.
BabyRx Postnatal Complete+ continues this support after childbirth, helping new mothers recover and maintain their health and well-being. Additionally, BabyRx
Probiotic Complete includes beneficial probiotic strains like Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, which can positively influence gut-brain connection, further reducing the risk of postnatal depression and anxiety.

Incorporating these supplements into your daily routine can be a proactive step towards ensuring a healthier, happier experience for both you and your baby.

Sources:

Dalton, K. Depression after childbirth https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6803961/
Wisner, K. L. et. al. Prevention of postpartum depression doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.161.7.1290
Rees, A. M., Austin, M. P., & Parker, G. Role of omega-3 fatty acids doi:10.1080/j.1440-1614.2005.01565.x
Beard, J. L et. al. Maternal iron deficiency anemia doi:10.1093/jn/135.2.267
Garcion, E. et. al. New clues about vitamin D doi:10.1016/s1043-2760(01)00547-1
Rupanagunta, G. P. et al. Postpartum depression doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2023.05.008
Miller, E. S. et. al. Peripartum magnesium sulfate doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100407
Slykerman, R. F. et. al. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.09.013
Cooper, P. J., & Murray, L. Postnatal depression. doi:10.1136/bmj.316.7148.1884
Murray, L. et. al. The impact of postnatal depression https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9022253
Mayberry, L. J., & Affonso, D. D. Infant temperament doi:10.1080/07399339309516041
Hipwell, A. E. et. al. Severe maternal psychopathology doi:10.1017/s0954579400002030
Deave, T. et. al. The impact of maternal depression doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2008.01752.x
Cummings, E. M., & Davies, P. T. Maternal depression doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.1994.tb01133.x
Murray, L. et. al. Socioemotional development https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10604404
Cox, A. D. et. al. The impact of maternal depression doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.1987.tb00679.x
Breznitz, Z., & Friedman, S. L. Toddlers’ concentration doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.1988.tb00715.x
Beck, C. T., & Driscoll, J. Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Cox, J. L., & Holden, J. Perinatal psychiatry Gaskell.
Holden, J. M. Postnatal depression doi:10.1111/j.1523-536x.1991.tb00104.x