Pregnancy can be scary time for some pregnant women. The prospect of total life change and having somebody who relies on others for everything can be daunting responsibility. This, along with hormonal change, may trigger antenatal depression in most of the pregnant women. The expectation is a happy time and pregnant women required to embraces it with confidence and joy, but this is not a case for every pregnant woman. Many women, who are in secure and comfortable position, may sink into the depression, because they developed some negative feeling. These negative feeling may be the feeling of isolation and distanced from the family or from the partner.

Characteristics of antenatal depression

There are few symptoms of antenatal depression. These characteristics may result in dangerous situation and can be harmful to both, baby and pregnant woman.

1. Loss of confidence
2. Lack of energy
3. guilt
4. panic attacks
5. irritation and resentfulness
6. thought of self-harm and suicide
7. Impaired concentration
8. Withdrawal from other people.
9. Persistent sadness
10. Loss of interest in sex
11. Weight loss or weight gain which is not related to pregnancy.
12. Extreme or unending fatigue
13. Felling emotionally numb.
14. Desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all
15. Sleep problems not related to pregnancy.

Until recent years, prenatal or antenatal, depression was not listed or documented, but now more than 10 percent women suffer from it every year and the worst time is seems to be between weeks 18 and 32 of the pregnancy.

Hormonal change may play important role to amplify antenatal depression, but, as yet, very little things are know by the researchers. Money, work and relationships can also add to the strain. Those who have unplanned pregnancy or those had some previous depression, or even who lack support could be at grater risk and hence more prone to this kind of depression.

Some factors which are responsible to trigger antenatal depression.

Family history / personal history of depression- If depression runs in the woman’s family, or she had past related to depression, then she will more likely to suffer from depression during pregnancy.

Relationship difficulties- If women are experiencing difficulties and the women is afraid of a lank of support then it can be the major factor for depression.

Problems with pregnancy- If there is some trouble in pregnancy or women suffers from disease like; morning sickness, then it may trigger the risk of health in the mind of pregnant women and also amplify her depression.

Stressful events in life- Divorce, job loss, bigger home aspirations, major life changes and some quarrel with partner or friends may trigger antenatal depression.

Treatment for antenatal depression:

Partner, family members, friends and other close relatives of pregnant women should take care, bear additional responsibilities and become more supportive to women suffering from this disease. If the condition of women gets more severe then it is necessary to concern with good doctor.