Study Reveals Postpartum Depression Symptons Could Be Detected During Pregnancy

A new study now shows that mothers can be detected for postpartum depression even before birth.

According to Wreg, a Belgian study revealed that "pregnant women dealing with mood swings or self-esteem issues during their second and third trimesters are more likely to become depressed after giving birth."

Doctors have been wondering what could cause the depression, but now through these results, they could even detect it during the pregnancy, not just after.

This study further suggests that doctors should pay a special attention to this and do screenings for the symptoms before birth.

Beth Shelton, a maternal mental health therapist in Memphis, shared that doctors should do screenings before and after birth, yet the solution does not end there.

"I think some doctors do. The problem is there's not a lot of places to refer them," she said, continuing to mention that only about 15% of mothers actually ask for help.

"We just expect that everything is going to be wonderful and perfect, and you're going to love your baby and bring your baby home. It's going to be delightful, and the rainbows and butterflies are going to run your house," said Shelton about new mothers.

PPD could be detected early on, yet the common situation is that many do not know to ask for help because they don't think they have the depression, such was the case with Erica Jancelewitcz of Memphis.

"I just came home from the hospital after a C-section and felt really sad. I cried every day. I was anxious at night. I was not sleeping at night," Jancelewitcz told Wreg News.

Jancelewitcz was diagnosed with PPD after being screened by her doctor that recommended a therapist, yet she says that she never thought of her being depressed.

"I was never screened. We never talked about it. I don't ever remember anything about depression or anxiety," said Jancelewitcz.

"If I didn't talk about it, then there's got to be other women sitting at home miserable, struggling, not getting help and not talking about it," she continued, suggesting that awareness and encouragement to talk more about the depression would decrease this issue.