Depression in pregnant women and mothers: How it affects you and your child
Depression is an illness that affects the way people think, act and feel. About 6% of women will experience depression at
some time during their lives. This number increases to about 10% (1 in 10) for women who are pregnant.
Women are more at risk of depression while they are pregnant, and during the weeks and months after having a baby.
During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect brain chemicals and cause depression and anxiety. Sometimes pregnant
women don’t realize they are depressed. They may think they have symptoms of pregnancy or the “baby blues,” which
many women experience right after birth.
It’s also important to know that as many as 10% of fathers also experience postpartum depression after the birth of a
child.
The good news is that depression can be treated. Read the signs listed below, and talk to your doctor if you have any of
them. Let your partner and family members know the signs so that they can also be aware.
If you don’t get help, depression can cause problems for you and your baby or child.
What are the signs of depression?
Depression can come on slowly. The symptoms are different for everyone. They can be mild, moderate or severe. Some
of the more common signs are:
changes in appetite: eating too much or having little interest in food,
changes in sleep, such as trouble sleeping or sleeping too much,
lack of energy,
feeling sad, hopeless or worthless,
crying for no reason, and
loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy.
New moms with depression may have trouble caring for their baby. They might not want to spend time with their baby,
which can lead to a baby who cries a lot.
How does depression affect pregnant women?
If you have depression while you are pregnant, you may have trouble caring for yourself.
Depression during pregnancy can also lead to:
miscarriage,
delivering before the due date (preterm),
giving birth to a small baby (low birth weight).
If depression during pregnancy isn’t treated, it can lead to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious
condition that can last for months after giving birth. It can affect your health and how well you bond with your baby.
What’s the difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression?
The “baby blues” is a mild form of postpartum depression that many new moms experience. It usually starts 1 to 3 days
after the birth and can last for 10 days to a few weeks. With baby blues, many women have mood swings—happy one
minute and crying the next. They may feel anxious, confused, or have trouble eating or sleeping. Up to 80% of new
moms have the baby blues. It’s common, and it will go away on its own.
About 13% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, which is more serious and lasts longer. You are at a
greater risk if you have a family history of depression or have had depression before.
Some of the symptoms include:
feeling like you can’t care for your baby,
extreme anxiety or panic attacks,
trouble making decisions,
feeling very sad,
hopelessness, and
feeling out of control.
No one knows exactly what causes postpartum depression. If you think you have the symptoms, it’s important to get help
right away. Postpartum depression needs to be treated. Talk to your doctor or call your local public health office.
If I’m depressed, will it affect my children?
Depression is treatable. But if it is not treated, it will affect your children.
Moms who are depressed may have trouble caring for their children. They may be loving one minute and withdrawn the
next. They may not respond at all to their child, or respond in a negative way. Your feelings and your behaviour will affect
your ability to care for your children.
Depression can also affect attachment, which is important for your child’s development. Attachment is a deep emotional
bond that a baby forms with the person who provides most of his care (usually the mother). A “secure attachment”
develops quite naturally. A mother responds to her crying infant, offering whatever she feels her baby needs—feeding, a
diaper change, cuddling. Secure attachment helps protect against stress and is an important part of a baby’s long­term
emotional health. It makes a baby feel safe and secure, and helps him learn to trust other people.
If you’re depressed, you may have trouble being loving and caring with your baby all the time. This can lead to an
“insecure attachment,” which can cause problems later in childhood.
How a mother’s depression affects her child depends on the child’s age.
Babies who don’t develop a secure attachment may:
have trouble interacting with their mother (they may not want to be with their mother, or may be upset when with
them),
have problems sleeping,
may be delayed in their development,
have more colic,
be quiet or become passive, or
develop skills or reach developmental milestones later than other babies.
Toddlers and preschoolers whose mothers are depressed may:
be less independent,
be less likely to socialize with others,
have more trouble accepting discipline,
be more aggressive and destructive, or
not do as well in school.
School­aged children may:
have behaviour problems,
have trouble learning, have a higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
not do as well in school, or
have a higher risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.
Teens whose mothers suffer from depression are at high risk for a number of problems such as major depression,
anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, substance abuse, ADHD, and learning difficulties.
Can depression be cured?
With treatment, most people recover from depression. Treatment can include one or more of the following:
Medication: Drugs used most often to treat depression are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and
tricyclic antidepressants.
Individual therapy: Talking one­on­one with a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or other professional.
Family therapy: With your partner and/or children. This can help when children are older.
Social support: Community services or parenting education.
If I take antidepressants during my pregnancy, will they hurt my baby?
You may think you should stop taking medication for depression when you are pregnant. Remember that, if left untreated,
depression can have serious effects for both you and your baby. If you are taking antidepressants and are thinking about
getting pregnant (or are already pregnant), talk to your doctor first, before stopping any medication.
Some newborn babies may have symptoms such as irritability, fast breathing, tremors and poor feeding if their mothers
took antidepressants during pregnancy. These symptoms are almost always mild and pass quickly, usually within 2
weeks. Serious problems are very rare.
After your baby is born, she will be watched closely to make sure she is healthy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure
that you are both well before letting you go home. You may need to stay an extra day or two in the hospital so that they
can be sure.
If I am taking antidepressants, can I breastfeed my baby?
Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for babies. It also helps mothers and babies bond. If you are taking
antidepressants, small amounts will come out through your breast milk. But studies have shown that children exposed to
these drugs through breast milk have not had problems.
Even if you are taking antidepressants, you can breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish. Stopping an
antidepressant during breastfeeding may cause the depression to return.
Can I take herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort?
There is not enough information about St. John’s Wort to say that it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. If you
are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any herbal products.
Is there anything else I should do?
If you are feeling any of the symptoms listed above, it is very important to tell someone. The early days of taking care of a
new baby can be hard. You’re probably not sleeping much as you try to meet your baby’s needs around the clock. Find a
friend, family member or someone else you trust who can look after your baby for short periods while you get a break. If
people offer help, accept it.
There are lots of support programs for new mothers. Talk to your doctor, nurse, midwife, or contact your local public
health office for a listing of services in your area.
More information from the CPS:
Prenatal health
Colic and crying
Never shake a baby
Maternal depression and child development (position statement)
Additional resources:
Motherisk provides information about prescription drug use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
All together now: How families are affected by depression and manic depression, Health Canada
Helping children cope, Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Reviewed by the following CPS committees:
Fetus and Newborn Committee
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee
Last Updated: October 2010
© 2014 ­ Canadian Paediatric Society www.cps.ca ­ info@cps.ca
The information on Caring for Kids should not be used as a
substitute for medical care and advice. If you have specific
concerns about your child’s health, please see your child’s
paediatrician, family physician, or another health care provider.