Risk factors for Prenatal Depression

Risk Factors for Prenatal Depression & Postpartum Depression During Pregnancy (prenatal)

History of substance abuse
History of depression
Family history of mental health problems
Minimal support from family and friends
Anxiety about pregnancy
Problems with previous pregnancies and/or births
Marital problems / relationship problems
Uninvolved partner
Financial problems
Work problems
Young age / old age of mother

After Pregnancy (postpartum) Depression after pregnancy is also called postpartum depression. During pregnancy, women’s bodies have an increase of hormones. Within 24 hours of delivery, the amount of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body quickly drop. The rapid change in hormonal levels may contribute to depression. Similar to the way hormonal shifts around menstruation may impact mood. Sometimes levels of thyroid hormones drop. Low thyroid levels can cause symptoms of depression. To test thyroid levels, doctors can do a simple blood test, and depending upon the results medication for thyroids will be prescribed.

by "Alex" Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, ACSW, LCSW