It is very common and treated the same way as any other form of depression, that is mild meds and other therapies.  Art therapy is good as is sewing and writing (my fave 2).  Reaching out and asking for help is a good start, as long as you keep doing it and don't think you are intruding on other peoples lives by asking for a chat.

Yes!  When I was diagnosed with PND after my 2nd baby, my counsellor explained that it is quite common to suffer it during pregnancy and that if it is left undiagnosed/untreated then your chances of this happening each pregnancy get higher.  I am sure I had it, but put a lot of it down  to hormones during pregnancy and only got help when I really wasn't coping after she was born and it didn't get better.  if you think it may be an issue - go and talk to someone!

There are estimates that as many as 70% of women will experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

Hi honey,

sorry i am so late in answering but the answer is YES . .  I was diagnosed with PND (*post natal depression) when I was 33 weeks pregnant . . At the time I thought the doctors were all nuts BUT I did the research and I couldn't believe just how common it is . .

I have suffered from Depression for over 15 years and have therefore suffered depression though all my pregnancies BUT this last time around was different and even I compared it to PND that I had after my 2nd child . . Many doctors are now saying that there shouldn't be a Post-Natal Depression but instead a Natal Depression.

cheers Kellz

Absolutely!!! But as the others have said it is pre- natal depression. There are so many hormonal changes, physical changes and mental changes happening, it's amazing more women don't get it!!!! But it is real and if you are feeling down, PLEASE speak to your Doc or midwife as if you don't address these feelings  now, they can get worse after the birth of your child. This is then post natal depression. If you can get help to deal with it now, it is much better than after bub is born!!! Lots of women do get it and it is quite common...just one of those things no one really admits to!! Pick me !!! Please don't try and shove these feelings aside, try and get help to deal with them and you will be much happier and readier for the birth of your beautiful child. There are lots of seesawing emotions and feelings to deal with...never mind thowing in on top of this the hormone fuelled ups and downs! Wishing you the best and remember you have lots of support from us all here!!!

Yes, it is pre-natal depression and not as common as post natal but just as real.  i had it with my third and it did go over into after the baby was born to a degree.  I think it was fairly mild and i didn't have any treatment but in hindsight it might have helped to at least talk to someone.  Go and see your GP or Midwife, they will be able to steer you in the right direction.

I had it really bad when i was preg with my first 2.

wouldn't it then be pre-natal depression? Yes, depression can strike anyone anytime. Pregnancy is a fairly common time for it.

Hi, yes like others have said you can get depression while pregnant. Its called prenatal depression. Ive had my ups and downs during my pregnancy, having the added stress from my bfs father ect and then i was getting depressed abou my appearence.. I thought to myself my body is going through alot of changes but things will go back to normal once bubs is born.If you ever wanna chat minti mail me ok..Also if its something serious that you cant work through go and see your doctor..

Dannii xxo

u can get pre natal depression.

hey there yes you can get pre-natal depression i was tested for it when i was about 16 weeks pregnant with my last child you can ask your doc/midwife about it they can do the same testing they do for post natal. mine test where general questions . please go to this link for advice

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/conditionscomplications/a/pgdepression.htm

http://pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/baby/Breaking-the-silence-on-prenatal-depression-116.htm

good luck tassie

you can't get post natal depression whilst pregnant BUT you can get prenatal depression! Like the first answer says the post natal refers to after the birth of your child!
If you feel like you are falling into the trap of depression, i strongly recommend you go and see your doctor and make sure you talk about your feelings etc so that it doesn't bottle up inside of you!

i do believe so, esp with all the hormones goin nuts, your body gone and leaking everywhere.. it could be a stresful time esp if you have promblems goin on. i know that somtimes i feel so depressed cause my body isnt skinny now, and my breast hav got huge and strech marks., and issues in my life that make me feel real depressed. but then what i do is i stop, take a breath and go somewhere quiet hav a good old cry and then look at all the things im blessed (esp my son) with and the angel thats growing inside.. so i advise you that if your feeling a bit depressed take some time for your self, have a bath, read a book, watch a movie, go for a walk or drive, or simply just find a quiet spot and have your time!

The word "post" refers to afterward. In other words, post natal means after the birth. So technically, no, you would not have post natal depression while pregnant.

BUT you can certainly still get depression - anyone can. Most likely it's just your hormones. Just like when us women get mood swings when our hormones change during periods, mood swings happen in pregnancy for the same reason - hormonal changes.

If you are really worried talk to your doctor. Good luck hun.