Depression During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with depression during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Depression during pregnancy (prenatal or antenatal depression) affects approximately 10-20% of pregnant people. It is a real medical condition caused by a combination of hormonal changes, life stressors, and individual risk factors. It is not a character flaw, and it is treatable. Getting help during pregnancy is important for both your health and your baby's well-being.
Key takeaways
- Depression during pregnancy (prenatal or antenatal depression) affects approximately 10-20% of pregnant people. It is a real medical condition caused by a combination of hormonal changes, life stressors, and individual risk factors. It is not a character flaw, and it is treatable. Getting help during pregnancy is important for both your health and your baby's well-being.
- Usually normal when: Occasional mood swings or tearfulness related to hormonal changes
- Call your doctor if: You are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life - call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“About 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have symptoms of depression that last longer than 2 weeks, tell your health care provider.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, depression during pregnancy (prenatal or antenatal depression) affects approximately 10-20% of pregnant people. It is a real medical condition caused by a combination of hormonal changes, life stressors, and individual risk factors. It is not a character flaw, and it is treatable. Getting help during pregnancy is important for both your health and your baby's well-being. At First trimester, depression may begin or worsen in the first trimester due to hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the emotional adjustment to pregnancy. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep beyond normal pregnancy changes, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. If you had depression before pregnancy, talk to your provider early about managing it during pregnancy. It is generally considered normal when occasional mood swings or tearfulness related to hormonal changes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life - call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
Depression may begin or worsen in the first trimester due to hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the emotional adjustment to pregnancy. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep beyond normal pregnancy changes, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. If you had depression before pregnancy, talk to your provider early about managing it during pregnancy.
Second trimester
While many people feel better physically in the second trimester, depression does not always follow the same pattern. If you are feeling persistently sad, numb, or disconnected from your pregnancy, this is not something you should try to push through alone. Talk therapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy), support groups, exercise, and sometimes medication can help.
Third trimester
Depression in the third trimester can be compounded by anxiety about birth, physical discomfort, and sleep deprivation. Untreated prenatal depression is a strong risk factor for postpartum depression. Getting treatment now helps protect your postpartum mental health. There are antidepressant medications that are considered safe during pregnancy.
Postpartum
If you experienced depression during pregnancy, you have a higher risk of postpartum depression. Having a support plan in place before delivery is important. Talk to your provider about monitoring, treatment continuation, and postpartum support resources. You are not alone, and help is available.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed depression during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if persistent sadness, emptiness, or numbness lasting more than two weeks.
- Mention if loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Occasional mood swings or tearfulness related to hormonal changes
- Brief periods of feeling overwhelmed that pass relatively quickly
- Mixed emotions about pregnancy that include both excitement and worry
- Emotional reactions that are manageable and do not interfere with daily life
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or numbness lasting more than two weeks
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
- Changes in sleep or appetite that go beyond typical pregnancy symptoms
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or being a burden to others
- Difficulty bonding with or feeling connected to your pregnancy
- You are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life - call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room
- You are having thoughts of harming your baby
- You are unable to care for yourself or function in daily activities
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice depression during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that occasional mood swings or tearfulness related to hormonal changes — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life - call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Related Conditions
Anxiety During Pregnancy
Some worry during pregnancy is completely normal, but anxiety that is persistent, intense, or interfering with your daily life affects approximately 15-20% of pregnant people. Prenatal anxiety is treatable, and getting support early benefits both you and your baby. You deserve to feel better.
Postpartum Depression in Partners and Fathers
Postpartum depression does not only affect birth mothers. Research shows that roughly 1 in 10 new fathers and a similar proportion of non-birthing partners experience depression in the first year after a baby arrives. Your feelings are real, valid, and treatable — seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Related Resources
Excessive Crying Triage
Determine whether crying patterns need medical attention.
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is depression during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about depression during pregnancy?
When is depression during pregnancy normal?
What causes depression during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about depression during pregnancy?
Is depression during pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is depression during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for depression during pregnancy?
Does depression during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Screening and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum. ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4, 2023. ACOG
- [2]National Institute of Mental Health. Perinatal Depression. NIMH, 2023. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Depression During Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Depression During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed depression during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if persistent sadness, emptiness, or numbness lasting more than two weeks.
- Mention if loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or numbness lasting more than two weeks
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
- Changes in sleep or appetite that go beyond typical pregnancy symptoms
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life - call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room
- You are having thoughts of harming your baby
- You are unable to care for yourself or function in daily activities
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of depression during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life - call 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Anxiety During Pregnancy
Some worry during pregnancy is completely normal, but anxiety that is persistent, intense, or interfering with your daily life affects approximately 15-20% of pregnant people. Prenatal anxiety is treatable, and getting support early benefits both you and your baby. You deserve to feel better.
Postpartum Depression in Partners and Fathers
Postpartum depression does not only affect birth mothers. Research shows that roughly 1 in 10 new fathers and a similar proportion of non-birthing partners experience depression in the first year after a baby arrives. Your feelings are real, valid, and treatable — seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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