Why is treatment for depression during pregnancy important?

Without treatment for depression, you might not seek the health care you need during pregnancy. This is called prenatal care. You also might not eat the healthy foods you and your unborn baby need. Or you may have trouble caring for yourself and your family if depression becomes overwhelming.

Having depression during pregnancy raises risks for babies, including the following:

• Premature birth.
• Low birth weight.
• Less growth in the womb.
• Other problems after birth.

Untreated depression during pregnancy also raises the risk of postpartum depression and trouble bonding with your baby.