Antenatal Depression: Understanding and Supporting Mental Health During Pregnancy
Today, we wanted to share some information with you all about a heavier topic than we usually tackle here in our newsletters. It's a topic that we know can make a huge impact on each and every one of you.
Something came up for me recently as I was speaking with a client, and it reminded me that this is very worthwhile to share and talk about in order to break down the stigma that tends to come along with it.
Fortunately, in 2024, it comes as no surprise to us that postpartum blues and legitimate depression as well as mania and psychosis not only exist but that every birthing human is at risk of developing them. However, we have found that depression, anxiety, and mood changes during pregnancy are often symptoms that occur as the hormones in your body change. They accompany the incredible changes your body, life, and family are already experiencing and are on the horizon for anyone in your immediate support, social, familial and professional circles.
There is no judgment in your answer to this question, but take a moment and think about it: did you know that perinatal/pregnancy depression, anxiety, and mood changes were “a thing” (meaning a situation that several people experience)?
This is called: Antenatal Depression
Antenatal Depression can be a precursor to postpartum depression.
According to the Mayo Clinic, depression during pregnancy occurs in about 7% of birthing people, and it frequently goes overlooked because people write off their symptoms as symptoms of pregnancy, perhaps because they are hesitant to talk about their mental health during this time (in addition to the stigma already associated to the topic, there may be pressure to “be happy!” about the baby coming!), and simply because more emphasis has been placed on mental health during the postpartum period.
However, we are here today to let you know that if you're feeling down, having a change in your enjoyment of things you usually love, have increased anxiety or moments of panic/mania, you are NOT alone!
You are not the only person to experience this during pregnancy and there are mental health providers out there who can support you during this time.
In order to bring prenatal depression to light, we're including a list of the potential symptoms below, as well as a few favorite resources where you can seek more information and support.
Lastly, if you're experiencing ANY changes in your mood during your pregnancy, we encourage you to begin a dialogue ASAP with a trusted member of your healthcare team who can help you evaluate and understand your experiences as well as find the safest, most effective and impactful care you can find during this time of major change.
Signs and symptoms of Antenatal Depression include but are not limited to:
Excessive anxiety about your baby
Low self-esteem, such as feelings of inadequacy about parenthood
The inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable
Poor response to reassurance
Poor adherence to prenatal care
Smoking, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs
Poor weight gain due to a decreased or inadequate diet
Thoughts of suicide
Our favorite resources for Perinatal Mental Health: https://www.postpartum.net
Quick links:
Get help NOW: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/
Find a professional: https://www.postpartum.net/professionals/
Find a support group: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
Live Chat with an expert: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/chat-with-an-expert/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/25960478598/
Please know that the Freya Movement Team is always open to a conversation and helping to guide you to the appropriate resources for support in all areas of your pregnancy and postpartum journey. We are not just a workout, we are your home. And we want you to know that you are never alone.
We hope to see you in a class soon, for the medicine to be found in movement and community.
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