Depression in Women During Childbearing Years: Causes, Symptoms, Challenges & Treatment

Abstract

During pregnancy and the postpartum period, two notably major life events for women, significant hormonal changes take place that increase vulnerability for depression. At the same time, many women during these periods find themselves in stressful situations exacerbated by the changes in life circumstances inherent with having children. While the vast majority of women adjust successfully to pregnancy and motherhood, some portion of women find the everyday challenges exceedingly difficult to manage. For these women the childbearing years can be the “perfect storm” for major depressive disorder (MDD).