Health alert: pregnant woman and depression

In today's health alert, a new study shows that women of childbearing age are at high risk for depression. Depression surrounding pregnancy is a problem for many women, and the consequences can be devastating. Depressed mothers often struggle with bonding with their babies, and in turn, childcare can suffer. Researchers studied over 4,000 women and found that one in seven suffered from major depression around the time of their pregnancy. Doctors discovered that about nine percent of women suffer from depression prior to pregnancy and are at higher risk for recurring depression later on.

Researchers recommend that depression be treated as a chronic condition during pregnancy and beyond. Psychotherapy is one effective treatment that does not carry any health risks for the unborn baby. For severe depression, experts say pregnant women may need antidepressant medication to fully heal. Studies show that infants exposed to antidepressants can have tremors or mild breathing problems, but these usually improve within a few days.

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