What Is Prenatal Depression?

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Mental Health is important at any stage of life, and we are continually learning how imperative it is to prioritize one’s overall well-being. Understanding the causes and effects of this condition will not only benefit the mother but ultimately the baby. Prenatal Depression should be taken seriously and approached with loving and supportive consideration.

What Is Prenatal Depression?

Prenatal Depression is not a new condition, but in recent years, it has been given more of a defining focus. It is a complex and dynamic situation not only for the mother but also for the child. According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 7 women face depression during the course of pregnancy. The Cleveland Clinic finds that it can occur at any point while the woman is expecting, and it can invoke feelings of fatigue, sadness, anxiety, or restlessness. Those who pre-baby have been impacted by mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or other mental illnesses may find that pregnancy can exacerbate or perpetuate factors to manifest in Prenatal Depression. Women pregnant with multiple babies, women who are experiencing an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy, or who have faced infertility or miscarriage in the past, may also be at higher risk as a triggered response to unique circumstances. Even factors such as stress at home, financial stressors, or a child with special needs can ignite this ailment. It is important not only to acknowledge but to recognize that exterior components play a role in the whole journey of bringing forth a new life into the world.

How Is it Different from Postpartum Depression?

After a birth, many women experience what is known as Postpartum Depression, or a depressive period after the birth of a child(ren). This can result from a struggle to bond with the child(ren), fear, issues in transitioning into the new season of life, or from chemical or hormonal imbalances. Postpartum Depression can manifest not only in Depression, but also result in mood swings, irritability, loss of appetite, withdrawal from those around them, and emotional outbursts. This differs from Baby Blues or Peripartum Depression as it is longer-lasting, and it may require long-term treatment to assist the mother holistically.

What Is Peripartum Depression or "Baby Blues"?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the days following birth are met with fluctuating hormones, new rhythms of life, and so much anatomically that mothers may experience Baby Blues. During this brief experience, “Most new moms experience postpartum 'baby blues’ after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.” Where this differs from Prenatal or Postpartum Depression is that it has a short duration, whereas others are more long-term. There is also a form of Depression that endures throughout pregnancy and beyond called Peripartum Depression. In all forms of depression, there is a necessity to honor, respect, and aid those affected.

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How Can Impact the Baby?

Mental illness can impact the baby(s) in a multitude of ways. Potential complications for the child include low birth weight (below 5 lbs. 8 oz.), preterm or early delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), or Small Gestational Weight (measuring below the ideal weight at birth) (March of Dimes). Even physical or mental issues can arise for the child if Depression is left untreated or ignored. Even breastmilk production and quality can be altered if depression is left untreated. The bond between mother and baby is more than a physical connection, and understanding that all factors can contribute to the help or hindrance of a fetus’s development should be taken seriously. This is not to scare the mother or loved ones around the mother, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of care so that all involved will be healthy in the long run. Real help is available to make a real difference for all.

How Others Can Help

It is imperative to approach all forms of mental illness with the love of Christ and to pray for wisdom as to portion and position to best help during a delicate time. Although on the surface, there does not appear to be any reason to be sad or downcast, it is vital not to judge, condemn, or belittle the reality that the mother is facing. Taking the initiative to come alongside the person, to hold a safe space for them to express themselves, and to listen can make a world of difference as they reconcile this unexpected trial. Educating yourself on what causes the mental illness, practicing patience, and praying for the person can make a world of difference. Never underestimate what a little kindness can do in another person’s life.

What Resources Are Available

The science and study behind Depression, especially Prenatal Depression, has grown exponentially in recent years. Previously, there was an unfortunate stigma regarding mental wellness, mainly due to ignorance and misunderstanding. The deeper study has welcomed medications, literature, books, and therapies to counteract the malady. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, support groups, one-on-one Psychotherapy, and Interpersonal Therapy have sought not to treat the symptoms, but to dig deeper into what may have caused the reaction of Prenatal Depression (Cleveland Clinic). Understanding that there are outlets that offer tangible, easily accessible support can make a huge difference for the patient overall.

How to Encourage or Be Encouraged

Whether you are the one who is enduring Prenatal Depression, or someone you love is, it is vital to remember that God desires to help His beloved child. In Genesis 16, the story of Hagar shares the story of a pregnant woman who is met with uncertainty, anxiety, and, one can likely assume, depression as well. In her distress, God sent an angel to minister to her. Her response to the encounter was one of feeling seen and remembered. Genesis 16:13 shares, “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.’” (NIV)

This Name of God, El Roi, is one that was true not solely for Hagar, but for all believers today. God sees, He loves, and He desires freedom and joy for His children. Do not buy into the lies of Satan that often come along with depression that the one battling is forgotten, being punished, or unloved by God. Take hold of the truth that the God who saw Hagar in the desert is also present today. Also, take hold of many Psalms where David felt depressed. Speaking the truth found in Scripture not only speaks to one’s mind verses of hope, but it renews the spirit to know that what is present is not permanent. Prenatal Depression is a very real condition, but it is not the end of the story. Remember the words of hope given by David in Psalm 27:13-14: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Related:

5 Tips for Coping with Postpartum Depression

7 Pregnancy Prayers for Health, Safety, and Encouragement

7 Signs of Postpartum Depression Husbands Need to Be Aware Of

5 Loving Tips for Miserable Pregnant Mommas in Summer

5 Bible Verses and Prayers for the Woman Going through Postpartum Depression

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Natalia Lebedinskaia

Cally Logan is the author of three books, including The Wallflower that Bloomed, winner of the 2025 Reader’s Choice Christian Literary Award and the Henri Award, and an Expert Writer for Crosswalk.com and The Rooted Truth. Her heart finds beauty in the mysteries of life and in the glory all around us in the details, big and small. Storytelling is her passion, and she believes each and every one of us holds a unique, valuable, and hand-written story by God, and together, we are part of the Grand Story He has written. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University and has taught US History and Western Civilization for nearly a decade. Her works have been featured on outlets such as Jesus Calling, The 700 Club Interactive, Propel Women, and many more. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, watching movies, and woodworking. Check out her website, callylogan.com, or find her on Instagram @CallyLogan.