Health Tip: Are You Pregnant and Depressed?

Certain factors may increase your risk

Related Encyclopedia • AIDS and HIV Infection • Amenorrhea • Amniocentesis • Amniocentesis and CVS More... Related Healthscout Videos Optimistic Healing Early Babies: How Soon is Too Soon? Aqua Lipo Pinpointing Mental Illness More... Related Animations • Bipolar Disorder Animation • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Depression More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Ambien • Avandia • Cialis More... Related News Articles • Focusing on School Could Prevent Teen Pregnancies • Low Vitamin D Tied to Estrogen Decline • Caring Through Sharing -- Life Changing Stories • Breast Cancer Pain Continues Years After Treatment More...

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

Text Continues Below

---

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