Understanding Depression

Depression is an illness that will affect from 20%-25% of all women at some point in their lives.

Untreated depression can lead to a number of health and relationship problems, including pregnancy complications.

Symptoms of depression include 2 weeks or more of depressed mood or loss of pleasure in usual activities as well as three or more of the following:

- sleep problems
- appetite problems
- inability to concentrate
- excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- thoughts of suicide
- fatigue/loss of energy
- extreme restlessness.

Depression is treatable; proper treatment can relieve symptoms of depression in up to 80% of the cases

There are many treatment options available, including medications that are safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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The source of this information is http://www.med.umich.edu