Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is called perinatal depression. The exact number of women with depression during this time is unknown. But researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the depression is not recognized or treated, because some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and are happening at the same time. Tiredness, problems sleeping, stronger emotional reactions, and changes in body weight may occur during pregnancy and after pregnancy. But these symptoms may also be signs of depression.

During pregnancy, these factors may increase a woman’s chance of depression:

• History of depression or substance abuse

• Family history of mental illness

• Little support from family and friends

• Anxiety about the fetus

• Problems with previous pregnancy or birth

• Marital or financial problems

• Young age (of mother)