Health Tip: Are You Pregnant and Depressed?

Certain factors may increase your risk

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(HealthDay News) -- Many women become depressed while they are pregnant, or shortly after the baby is born.

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The U.S. National Women's Health Information Center says these factors increase the likelihood of developing depression during or after pregnancy:

• Having been depressed or had another mental illness prior to pregnancy.
• Having a family history of depression or other mental illness.
• Getting inadequate support from loved ones.
• Feeling anxious or negative about being pregnant.
• Having had problems with a prior pregnancy.
• Dealing with financial or marital problems, or other major life stresses.
• Being pregnant at a young age.
• Abusing drugs or alcohol.

-- Diana Kohnle