What are the recommendations for screening for depression during pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that healthcare professionals check for depression and anxiety at least once during pregnancy. It's common to get checked, also called screened, during the first prenatal care visit and again near or in the third trimester.

During screening, your healthcare professional likely will ask you some questions about mood and anxiety. Your answers are scored. Your total score can be used to find out whether you have depression. Or your healthcare professional might simply ask if in the past month you've felt:

• Down.
• Depressed.
• Hopeless.
• Little interest or pleasure in doing things.

Screening to find and treat depression during pregnancy is important. But not every pregnant person who learns they have depression has access to resources and proper treatment. Still, research suggests that screening itself is linked with a lower risk of depression. It may lessen mental health stigmas and provide some self-awareness about your risk of depression and anxiety.

If you think you might have depression during pregnancy, don't wait for a screening. Talk with your healthcare professional about how you're feeling and ask what steps to take next.