Is it bad for the baby if you're a bit depressed during pregnancy?

Question

They say it's bad for the baby when the mum is not feeling happy and relaxed.. Im worried

Answer 1

Its not really bad for the baby, its just your change in hormones, if it gets seriously bad let your doctor know but in the mean time planning new things for the baby could help you out of this funk. Get baby magazines, plan your spare room as a nursery even if baby is going to be in with you, it will give you a nice cormforting place to care for the baby in the middle of the night when your partner needs to rest for work the next day. Or even a nice place for your partner to care for baby while you get some much needed sleep.. good luck..

Answer 2

Hi : ) I'm 20 weeks pregnant and have diagnosed depression. This is something my psychiatrisht and I went over a few weeks ago.

It really depends on how depressed you are. If you are really depressed it can put some stress on your baby but the affect of antidepressants on your baby are pretty much unknown or unfavorable. What I was told was that unless my depression get really bad during pregnancy not to worry about it because the effects that would have on the baby wouldn't really be anything to worry about compared to the effects of the medication. But that being REALLY depressed can cause low birth weight and other things that go along with it and feel that the risk of putting you on the antidepressants that studies have shown to be safer than others during pregnancy out wieghs the negetives of not putting you on anything.

Hope that makes sense and helps you out a little bit.

Answer 3

Can untreated depression harm my baby?

Depression not only hurts the mother, but also affects her family. Some researchers have found that depression during pregnancy can raise the risk of delivering an underweight baby or a premature infant. Some women with depression have difficulty caring for themselves during pregnancy. They may have trouble eating and won't gain enough weight during the pregnancy; have trouble sleeping; may miss prenatal visits; may not follow medical instructions; have a poor diet; or may use harmful substances, like tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.

Postpartum depression can affect a mother's ability to parent. She may lack energy, have trouble concentrating, be irritable, and not be able to meet her child's needs for love and affection. As a result, she may feel guilty and lose confidence in herself as a mother, which can worsen the depression. Researchers believe that postpartum depression can affect the infant by causing delays in language development, problems with emotional bonding to others, behavioral problems, lower activity levels, sleep problems, and distress. It helps if the father or another caregiver can assist in meeting the needs of the baby and other children in the family while mom is depressed.

All children deserve the chance to have a healthy mom. All moms deserve the chance to enjoy their life and their children. Don't suffer alone. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy or after having a baby, please tell a loved one and call you doctor or midwife right away.

all i can say is that is is hard being pregnant going through all the changes it causes to your body. but you have to think how wonderful you'll feel as soon as your little boy/girl is in your arms and the love you will have for him/or her. If it's money stuggles that are causing you to be depressed every one has money problems. (we make decent money but didn't have insurance on our second pregnancy or birth and we make to much for low payments but can't afford what they want) so is a cruel world to everyone in the money world. Just try and relax and enjoy your last days of sleeping. Good luck and hope this helps

Answer 4

Hey -- you're human! Relax! You can't be happy all the time. Your baby will be fine as long as you don't do anything rash (or take anything for a gloomy day). If your depression continues or worsens, however, be sure to ask your doctor for advice/help. And do something for YOU that will help break the bad mood. Eat some chocolate. Bake some cookies. Take a walk. Watch a favorite movie. Listen to music. Buy baby clothes! Don't be afraid of a range of emotions... as long as they are not too extreme!

Answer 5

If there was an effect of mild depression and worry during pregnancy there would not be a normal person in the world. Get good prenatal care - do what the doc or APN tells you to and cut yourself a lot of slack. Reproduction is one thing that humans are very good at. If you have any doubt about anything talk to your medical provider. Try to avoid any media articles on childbirth or risks to newborns. They are just trying to sell newspapers and news spots. Only listen to the medical professional who is taking care of you and knows your case. If you do not have a prenatal provider get one. Use a teaching hospital or free prenatal care center if you have money probs.

Answer 6

Only if you're constantly deeply down in the dumps.
I think that you should speak with your doctor about how you are feeling. Only this will put your mind at rest and help you de-stress.
And don't worry. You're not the only mom to be ever to have felt sad- it's probably just the weird wacky hormones that like to throw parties in pregnant women's bodies.
Stephanie, you'll be fine, honey, and so will your baby.

Answer 7

it's normal to be moody during pregnancy. stressing out about stressing out isnt going to help any either ;) but all new mums worry some. make sure you are getting out for enough fresh air and excercise. try to focus on the excitement and fun that is on the way.

Answer 8

I was depressed through my whole pregnancy. I hated life, I hated everyone and everything. I was a terrible pregnant woman and my son is the sweetest, and happiest baby ever.

Answer 9

I've always heard that it will determine the babies personality. I am sure that if you are only a little depressed there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 10

Yes it is. You could go into early labour, so premature baby. Or the baby could be stressed. If your far enough that you can feel him/her, you should be able to feel it moving around alot when your down, its trying to tell you that everything will be ok and that you will have a gorgeous baby in your arms soon lol..