What are the signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy?

The signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy are the same as those that occur with depression in the general population. However, additional clues that might indicate depression during pregnancy include:

• Excessive anxiety about your baby
• Low self-esteem, such as feelings of inadequacy about parenthood
• The inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable
• Poor response to reassurance
• Poor adherence to prenatal care
• Smoking, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs
• Poor weight gain due to a decreased or inadequate diet
• Thoughts of suicide

Some research suggests that depressive episodes occur more frequently during the first and third trimesters.