Depression - is not just a bad mood for days. This is a serious disease affecting the brain. When depression sadness, anxiety or feeling of emptiness does not go away and interfere with daily life. These feelings can be moderate to severe. Most people with depression get relief with proper treatment. Depression during pregnancy is a common problem. About 13% of pregnant women and new mothers suffer from depression.

How do you know that you are depressed

You may suffer from depression during pregnancy or after childbirth and not know it. Some typical changes during and after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of depression. But if you experience any of the following symptoms of depression that lasts longer than two weeks, see your doctor:

• The feeling of anxiety or sadness;
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and weakness;
• You cry a lot;
• Lack of energy or motivation;
• You eat too little or too much;
• You sleep too little or too much;
• You find it hard to concentrate or make decisions;
• Problems with memory;
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt;
• Loss of interest to what you usually enjoyed;
• Detachment from friends and family;
• Headaches, pain or other stomach problems that do not pass.

A doctor can determine whether your symptoms are caused by depression, or something else.

What causes depression

One reason there is. Rather, depression - the result of a combination of different factors:

• Depression - a mental illness that is usually inherited. Women who have a family history of depression, are more prone to it.
• Changes in the chemistry or the structure of the brain play an important role in depression.
• Stress, such as death of a loved one, caring for aging family members, violence, poverty, may trigger depression.
• Hormonal factors inherent in women may contribute to the depression in some. The hormones directly affect brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood. Women are more prone to depression at certain times of life, such as puberty, pregnancy and the postpartum period, premenopausal. Some women experience symptoms of depression before menstruation.

Hormonal changes can cause symptoms of postpartum depression. During pregnancy, the levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone increase greatly. In the first days after childbirth hormone levels quickly returned to normal, and that a strong change can lead to depression.

The level of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth. The thyroid gland helps regulate the process of using and storing the body of energy from food. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause symptoms of depression. A simple blood test can show whether the symptoms are caused by this condition. If so, then the physician can prescribe drugs for thyroid cancer.

Some factors may increase the risk of depression during and after pregnancy:

• Depression or other mental illness in history;
• Cases of depression or other mental illness in the family;
• The lack of support for the family and friends;
• Anxiety and negative feelings associated with pregnancy;
• Problems with previous pregnancy or childbirth;
• Problems in a marriage or with money;
• Stressful situations in life;
• Young age;
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Women who experience depression during pregnancy are at greater risk of postpartum depression.

Consult your doctor if:

• Symptoms of depression persist for two weeks;
• Symptoms of depression are becoming increasingly intense;
• You find it difficult to perform their tasks at work or home;
• You can not take care of yourself or your child;
• You have a thought to harm yourself or the baby.

Some women do not tell anyone about their symptoms. They feel ashamed, embarrassed or guilty about the fact that they have depression at the time, as they should be happy. But this does not mean that you're a bad mother.

How to treat depression

Depression is usually treated in two ways:

• Therapeutic conversation. This involves talking to a therapist, psychologist or social worker, who will explain how to change the thoughts, feelings and actions that cause depression.
• Medications. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. These drugs help to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

These treatments can be used separately or together. If you're depressed, it can affect your baby. Getting treatment is important both for you and for your child. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of medication for the treatment of depression during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What can happen if you do not treat depression

Depression, if left untreated, can harm you and your baby. Some women suffering from depression, it is difficult to take care of themselves during pregnancy. They can:

• Poor eating;
• Do not gain enough weight;
• Has difficulty sleeping;
• Skip visits to the doctor;
• Do not carry a doctor's prescription;
• Take harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
• Depression during pregnancy may increase the risk of:
• Problems with pregnancy or childbirth;
• Low birth weight;
• Premature birth.
• If left untreated postpartum depression Depression , You may experience:
• Lack of energy;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• A sense of despondency;
• Failure to care for the child.

As a result, you may feel guilty and lose confidence How to gain confidence in themselves?   in the mother. These feelings can further enhance depression.

Researchers believe that postpartum depression can affect the mother of the child. It can cause a child the following problems:

• Slow development of language skills;
• Lack of intimacy between mother and child;
• Behavioral problems;
• Frequent crying.

If you feel depressed, well, if your partner or other person who cares for the child will be able to fill their needs. Every child deserves to have a healthy mom. And every mother deserves to enjoy your life and your children. If you experience depression during pregnancy or after childbirth, do not suffer alone Loneliness - this is not new, or why am I still alone? . Tell us about her loved one and immediately contact a doctor.

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