Week 18 • Second Trimester
Prenatal Depression at Week 18
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness
🔍 What Causes Prenatal Depression at Week 18?
- •Hormonal changes
- •Previous history of depression
- •Lack of support
- •Stressful life events
- •Unplanned pregnancy
- •Relationship problems
- •Financial stress
- •Previous pregnancy loss
✓ Normal Signs
- ✓Occasional sadness
- ✓Hormonal crying
- ✓Mood swings that pass
⚠ Concerning Signs
- ⚠Sadness lasting >2 weeks
- ⚠Loss of interest in everything
- ⚠Hopelessness
- ⚠Thoughts of self-harm
- ⚠Unable to care for yourself
- ⚠No enjoyment in anything
💊 Relief Strategies
- ✓Talk to healthcare provider immediately
- ✓Therapy/counseling
- ✓Support groups
- ✓Exercise (with approval)
- ✓Adequate sleep
- ✓Nutritious diet
- ✓Social connection
- ✓Medication if prescribed (some are safe)
- ✓Light therapy
- ✓Don't isolate yourself
🏥 When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Persistent sadness >2 weeks
- ⚠Loss of interest in activities
- ⚠Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
- ⚠Unable to perform daily tasks
- ⚠Excessive guilt or worthlessness
- ⚠Significant changes in sleep/appetite
- ⚠Difficulty bonding with pregnancy