Spit-up On My Shoulder

A Scientific American article published October 23rd links depression in pregnant women with premature births. According to the article, new research shows that “pregnant women with symptoms of depression are twice as likely to deliver their babies early as those who don’t show signs of sadness.”

Since it is estimated that more than 40 percent of pregnant women report having depressive symptoms, the importance of diagnosis and treatment for depressed pregnant women is vital. Pre-term delivery is the leading cause of infant illness and death.

“Depression during pregnancy needs to be paid attention to and brought to the forefront of prenatal care,” study author, De-Kun Li says, “but the treatment doesn’t have to be medication. The safety of antidepressants during pregnancy is still an unsettled question. For minor [depression], all they probably need is to be getting emotional and physical support from their spouse and family.”