Depression in Pregnancy: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatment

Depression in pregnancy is a common psychiatric disorder affecting health of both the mother and the unborn child. The prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms during pregnancy ranges from 12% to 36%. Genetic, psychological, biological, environmental and hormonal factors comprise the predisposing factors for development of depression. Depression in pregnancy may cause such pregnancy and obstetrical complications as preterm delivery, preeclampsia, difficult birth, increased need for surgical intervention during delivery, smaller fetus compared to the gestational age, newborns with low birth weights and low apgar scores. It is also important due to its potential to increase the risk of suicide attempts and postpartum depression. Depression seen at an early period of the pregnancy affects both the mother and the fetus negatively in the long run. Therefore, early diagnosis of depression and its treatment will decrease the prospective risks for both parts. Health care staff play a key role in the early detection of the risk groups inclined to the gestational depression, in the prevention and treatment of depression. With the present work, we aimed at revising the diagnosis of the depression in pregnancy, its prevalence, risk factors for mother and fetus, its prevention and treatment during pregnancy