Depression in Pregnancy

[PamelaBee]

Have any of you heard, that now part of your regular OB appts, Drs will be screening for signs of depression?  SO SMART.  So many women suffer from mild to severe cases of depression, and once they become pregnant, mixed with hormones, well...it isn't a happy cocktail.  Also, post partum depression...it is so easily fixed, yet so hidden from many new Moms...please talk to someone if you have the baby blues, or feel overwhelmed...help is only minutes away!  

[JourneyJoJo]

I think I was screened by a social worker at the diabetes clinic.  There you're seen by a nurse diabetic educator, nutritionist and social worker.  She spoke to us about PPD and spoke with me again at my last appointment to see how things are going.  It may be routine at this clinic, but my OB hasn't discussed it with us.  It should be routine.  I think it's a great idea.

[PamelaBee]

I think they would screen you simply by asking questions.  If you answer more yes's than no's, than you are probably a candidate of having depression.  Then, they would probably prescribe an antidepressant depending on the severity.

[momafter14yrs]

I agree with it being higher with boys, I had ppd really bad after I had my son, nnow that im pregnant with my daughter its up and down!!!

[redBlues]

it's a great new,but I'm curios as to how they are going to screen it actually?

what method would they be using for it?

[Quinns momma]

When I took Gavin to his first follow up appt yesterday the nurse asked me about any new signs of depression. It seems that they are being much more pro-active with PPD. Which I think is just fantastic.

[People_Person]

Ironic you should post this.  I just spoke to a freind of mine regarding her OB appt today where her Dr. asked her if she had been having any strange dreams or nightmares.  I thought this was an unusual question since it was in no way related to her routine visit...or at least I thought.  

[Victoria01]

This is a great post! It is so sad that woman have to feel ashamed because of PPD. I never dealt with it personally, but I know a lot of women who have and it can be devastating. I wish more doctors would start discussing the signs and symptoms early in pregnancy so that women know what to look for.

[Quinns momma]

Great post!! I had terrible ppd with my daughter. With the birth of this baby I def know the signs to watch for and when to seek out help if required. There is no need to suffer in silence.

[PamelaBee]

pertykitty, you are right, it is more common for women that have boys.  I had it with my son, and coincidentally not with my daughter.  I probably should have been on something after I had my son, but I guess I fought it, and just hoped it would go away...it did, but it could have been so much more pleasant, had I been on something to take the edge off.  

[pertykitty]

with my first i took meds for ppd.   you know what i read? that it happens to be higher with moms who have boys and my first was a boy.  anyway i agree that moms need to feel as though its not a bad thing and most moms have it to some degree.  

[momof8215]

Great topic to put out there. Som many women don't bring it up because they feel like failures as moms!!! It is so important to talk to someone, anyone, so that you get the help you need. It doesn't make you a failure...it makes you a wonderful Mother!!!