A survey says that about 10 to 20% of pregnant women show some symptoms of depression and that a quarter to half of these women is likely to suffer from a major depression. The latest findings in this area suggest that depression in pregnant women can cause preterm delivery of the baby, which is, statistically, the main cause of infant mortality in the U.S. The research was published in the medical journal Human Reproduction and it clearly states that depression in pregnant women is clearly under rated and under diagnosed. The study shows that the major the depression symptoms the more chances of a preterm delivery of the baby.

On the other hand, the problem lies solely on how to treat depression while pregnant as anti-depressants are largely considered unsafe for the baby. Another problem with this is how to make a clear diagnosed when hormones are constantly released and lead to sudden mood changes. The study shows that depression during pregnancy may interfere with neuroendocrine pathways and with the correct function of the placenta and that depressed people usually don’t care for themselves as much, which can lead to a self destructive way of life.

Specialists say that though it is widely believed that anti-depressants do harm the baby, some are safer than others and this is an advantage. The main concern is the actual diagnosis of depression during pregnancy, the solution comes from different areas, from anti-depressants to therapy. This proves once again what an important role our mind plays in our well being, from our life style choices to our health