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In India, and many cultures like it, there’s no real language for antenatal mental illness. Emotional distress is downplayed as “mood swings.” Worry is dismissed as “overthinking.” And anything deeper? It’s often interpreted as weakness, ingratitude, or even bad luck. That silence leads to missed care. And when that care is delayed, so are outcomes, for both parent and baby.
What Is Antenatal Anxiety and Depression?
These are clinically diagnosable mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy, not just after birth.They’re not the same as fleeting worries. They persist, affect function, and may include:
They are different from occasional worries or low days. They:
- Last for weeks or months
- Interfere with daily life
- Often include physical, emotional, and behavioural changes
Common symptoms include:
- Constant tension, dread, or a feeling that something bad will happen
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Trouble sleeping, even when the body is tired
- Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
- Guilt, shame, or scary thoughts about yourself or the baby
Why This Matters For You and Your Baby
When mental health symptoms are dismissed as “normal pregnancy behaviour,” people suffer in silence. But ignoring these conditions can have wide-reaching effects:- Delayed antenatal care: Depression can reduce motivation to attend checkups or follow medical advice.
- Higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight: Chronic stress hormones like cortisol may impair placental function.
- Poor bonding postpartum: Unaddressed antenatal depression is a major predictor of postpartum depression, which can affect early bonding.
- Long-term effects on child development: Infants of depressed mothers may face higher risks of behavioural and cognitive delays.
What Increases Your Risk?
While anyone can experience antenatal anxiety or depression, certain conditions make it more likely:- Personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Past miscarriage, stillbirth, or fertility trauma
- Unplanned or high-risk pregnancies
- Lack of support: emotional, financial, or logistical
- Marital conflict, domestic abuse, or unsafe living conditions
- Social pressure to behave like a “perfect” mother
- Experiences of marginalisation due to caste, class, or being LGBTQ+
How It’s Diagnosed
There is no blood test or scan for anxiety or depression. Diagnosis is based on clinical interviews and standardised screening tools.- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): A 10-item questionnaire used globally to assess perinatal mood disorders. Scores above 13 typically indicate clinical concern.
- GAD-7 and PHQ-9: These screen for generalised anxiety disorder and depression, respectively.
- Clinical observation: A skilled OB-GYN or psychologist may detect signs even if the patient doesn’t verbalise them.
What Treatment Looks Like
Not every case needs medication. Many people benefit from supportive, non-invasive care.Treatment options include:
- Talk therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are safe and effective during pregnancy
- Support groups: Peer circles or therapy-led sessions reduce isolation
- Mindfulness and grounding practices: Helpful for day-to-day symptoms, though not a substitute for therapy
- Medication (if needed): In moderate to severe cases, pregnancy-safe antidepressants may be prescribed after careful evaluation
In some households, emotional health is not taken seriously. If you have to speak up for your care, that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
Just Because It’s Common Doesn’t Mean It’s Harmless
Antenatal depression and anxiety affect 1 in 5 pregnant people globally. But common doesn’t mean normal. And it definitely doesn’t mean safe to ignore.When you don’t have the words to explain your distress, it’s easy to believe it’s “not real.” But your body knows. Your mind knows.
- You are not overthinking.
- You are not too sensitive.
- You are paying attention, and that matters.
FAQs on Feeling Low in Pregnancy? It’s Not Just Overthinking
- Are pregnancy hormones enough to cause depression?
Hormones can trigger or worsen underlying mental health issues, but depression is never "just hormonal." It’s a medical condition requiring care. - Will this go away after delivery?
Not always. Antenatal depression often continues into postpartum. Early care improves both short- and long-term outcomes. - Can I take antidepressants while pregnant?
Some medications are considered safe, but decisions must be made with a psychiatrist and OB-GYN. Never stop or start on your own. - I’m scared to tell my family. What can I do?
You can start by speaking with your OB-GYN, a counsellor, or calling a mental health helpline. Help doesn’t have to come from family.
