Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have a history of depression — especially postpartum depression — mention it to your doctor as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Your doctor will monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies. In other cases, antidepressants are recommended — even during pregnancy.
After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier postpartum depression is detected, the earlier treatment can begin. If you have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressant treatment immediately after delivery.
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- Depression during and after pregnancy. National Institutes of Health. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm. Accessed March 10, 2010.
- Pearlstein T, et al. Postpartum depression. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;4:357.
- Lusskin SI, et al. Postpartum blues and depression. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 10, 2010.
- Wisner KL, et al. Psychiatric disorders. In: Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone; Maryland Heights, Mo.: 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/187831438-3/0/1528/496.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50052-9--cesec15_2201. Accessed March 10, 2010.
- Depression. National Institutes of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-index.shtml. Accessed March 10, 2010.
- Mischoulon D. Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinics of North America. 2009;36:789.
- Shyn SI, et al. The genetics of major depression: Moving beyond the monoamine hypothesis. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33:125.
- Major depressive episode. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed March 10, 2010.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 7, 2010.

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