Depression During Pregnancy Often Goes Untreated

By April Clarkson, | Health | 0 Comments

Researchers found that women who experience depression during pregnancy often never seek treatment.
A study finds that although only 10 percent of pregnant women are depressed, most will go untreated.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Depression Center in Ann Arbor found that depression during pregnancy can contribute to prematurity and even low birth rate because women fail to eat properly, get enough rest, or receive pre-natal care.

The researchers found that women fail to seek treatment for depression because they believe their feelings are normal during the pregnancy process. In a study oft 1,837 women, 276 were found to have serious depression and only 1 and 3 were being treated for the illness.

The studies authors indicated that there was no difference among women of different employment situations, education, material status or ethnicity

Pregnant women who are experiencing possible signs of depression, or who have a history of depression, should talk to their doctors.