Loss of appetite
It’s typical for women to eat more or crave food (sometimes unconventional food combinations). This is normal because a pregnant women needs to consume more calories and nutrients to support a growing fetus. However, depression can cause disinterest in eating or a dulled sense of taste. Skipping a meal is not a big deal, but not eating enough each day can affect your health and pregnancy.
How long does prenatal depression last?
Prenatal depression can occur at any time during a pregnancy. It can also happen during any pregnancy, even if you previously did not experience any symptoms of depression in previous pregnancies.
However, there is no clear-cut number of days or weeks for prenatal depression. Symptoms may come and go, which can make things difficult to record. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and prenatal depression can happen at any time until delivery. If depression occurs after delivery, it is already postpartum depression.
If you are suffering from prenatal depression and not some degree of clinical depression before pregnancy, it is likely that your symptoms will subside sometime before you give birth.
Are there long-term effects of prenatal depression?
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available about prenatal depression on its own. While depression is a mental disorder, it definitely does affect the body and mind when not treated.
One study determined the relationship between prenatal depression and adverse effects on the fetus. The review study found that women who experience prenatal depression have a higher chance of delivering babies who are preterm or have a low birth weight.
While prematurity and low-birth-weight babies can still grow up to be healthy and happy children, they may have weaker bodies and immune system. Having a premature baby may give a mother added stress or feelings of guilt and anxiety, which can make depression worse.
Whether or not you are currently pregnant, depression should be taken seriously. Talk to your friends, family, and (most importantly) your doctor.

Key takeaways
Depression should be identified and treated just as any other disease. Unlike physical illnesses, the symptoms may not always be obvious. Pregnant women who are experiencing prenatal depression signs and symptoms should be treated with respect and understanding. While it is normal to feel down or anxious at times, depression should never be swept under the rug.
Learn more about Being Pregnant here.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion