Pregnancy can mean many things: anticipation, change, vulnerability, physical discomfort, pressure from those around you, and sometimes even anxiety or sadness. Not everyone experiences that “on cloud nine” feeling people so often talk about. If you find that your days are getting darker, you don’t recognize yourself, or you barely feel connected to your pregnancy anymore, that’s not a sign of weakness. Depression during pregnancy deserves serious attention.

This also applies if your partner, daughter, friend, employee, or client is pregnant and you notice that she’s not doing well. Symptoms of depression can develop gradually. Many people keep going because they think that fatigue, crying spells, or feelings of uncertainty are just part of the experience. Sometimes that’s true. But sometimes there’s more going on.

If you’re afraid you might harm yourself, the baby, or someone else, don’t wait. Call 112 in case of immediate danger, contact the after-hours doctor service, or seek help through 113 Suicide Prevention. Montgó Lifestyle is not a substitute for acute crisis care.

What do we mean by depression during pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy is also known as prenatal or antenatal depression. It refers to depressive symptoms that develop or worsen in the period leading up to childbirth. These symptoms can begin in the first trimester, but they can also appear later in the pregnancy.

The World Health Organization reports that, worldwide, approximately 10 percent of pregnant women experience a mental health condition, most commonly depression. This figure makes it clear that these symptoms are not rare. Yet many pregnant people feel as though they are the only ones struggling with this.

Depression is more than just crying or feeling tense from time to time. Pregnancy brings about hormonal, physical, and emotional changes, but prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, panic, or the sense that you can’t go on require attention. If you want to understand more about the body’s role in mood, you can also read about the connection between depression and hormones.

Signs You Don't Need to Brush Off

Not every symptom immediately points to depression. Pregnancy can be exhausting, disrupt sleep, and intensify emotions. The difference often lies in the duration, severity, and impact on your daily life. If symptoms persist for weeks, worsen, or cause you to withdraw more and more, it’s wise to seek help.

Many people try to explain these signs with phrases like: “It’s just hormones,” “I shouldn’t make a big deal out of it,” or “It’ll probably get better after I give birth.” Sometimes the symptoms do indeed ease up. But waiting it out can also mean that you end up carrying the burden alone for an unnecessarily long time—a burden that should actually be shared and addressed.

Why Depression During Pregnancy Often Goes Undetected

Society often views pregnancy as a time when you’re supposed to be happy. As a result, you may feel ashamed if you mainly experience sadness, anxiety, emptiness, or resistance. Perhaps you’ve longed for this pregnancy for a long time and feel you have no right to feel this way. Maybe you’re afraid others will think you’re a bad mother. Or perhaps you don’t want to be a burden to your partner, family, or employer.

That shame can lead you to do exactly what makes depression worse: keeping quiet, carrying on as usual, and isolating yourself. During pregnancy, healthcare providers also often focus—understandably—on physical aspects, such as fetal growth, blood pressure, checkups, and childbirth. Mental health issues sometimes don’t come up until someone brings them up explicitly.

We consider it normal not to keep fumbling around on our own when faced with specialized practical problems—for example, by hiring a licensed septic tank professional for sewer issues when a home requires it. The same down-to-earth logic should apply to mental health: if it becomes too complex or too burdensome to handle alone, professional help is not a luxury, but a matter of prudence.

What factors might contribute to depressive symptoms during pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy rarely has a single, clear cause. It is usually the result of a combination of physical changes, past experiences, stress, and a person’s living situation. That doesn’t mean you are to blame for your symptoms. It does mean, however, that effective treatment looks beyond just the symptoms.

Previous episodes of depression may play a role. The same is true for trauma, experiences of loss, fertility treatments, relationship stress, financial worries, work pressure, perfectionism, addiction in one’s social circle, or the feeling that you have to keep everything under control. Sometimes, old pain resurfaces during pregnancy, precisely because the body and the future are changing so drastically.

Loved ones may also notice when someone is losing themselves. A partner might notice that there is little contact anymore. An employer might notice problems with concentration or absenteeism. A referral provider might realize that routine conversations don’t provide enough space for discussion. In all these situations, it’s helpful not to get bogged down in the question of whether the situation is serious enough. The better question is: What does this person need right now to feel safe, to be treated with honesty, and to receive adequate support?

What kind of care is safe and appropriate during pregnancy?

If you experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to reach out to your midwife, primary care physician, gynecologist, or a psychologist. They can help you determine what’s appropriate and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. If medication is involved, do not stop or start taking it on your own. Always discuss this with a doctor who is familiar with your situation and pregnancy.

Getting help doesn't have to be difficult or complicated right away. Sometimes it starts with a single honest conversation in which you admit for the first time just how bad things really are. Sometimes more is needed, such as psychological treatment, trauma therapy, a psychiatric evaluation, support for your partner, or more intensive counseling.

The most important thing is that you don't have to prove that your symptoms are serious enough to deserve help. If you're suffering, feeling stuck, or afraid of your thoughts, that's reason enough to ask for support.

For partners, family members, employers, and referring professionals

If someone is pregnant and experiencing symptoms of depression, the support of those around her can make a big difference. Not by pushing her or offering quick fixes, but by simply being there for her. Gently ask how she’s really doing. Always take her comments about feeling empty, anxious, or not wanting to go on seriously. Offer practical help, such as accompanying her to an appointment, cooking for her, helping reduce her workload, or calling a healthcare provider together.

It’s best not to tell someone they should be happy, that stress is bad for the baby, or that others are having a harder time. Comments like these can make them feel even more ashamed. It’s better to acknowledge that the situation is difficult and that seeking help might be a good idea. You can find more practical tips in the article on helping someone with depression.

For employers or professionals, discretion is especially important. A pregnant employee or client may fear judgment, career repercussions, or a loss of control. A safe approach begins with trust, clear boundaries, and respect for privacy. You don’t have to be the one providing treatment. However, you can help ensure that appropriate, professional support is available.

When Intensive and Private Care May Be Considered

Not everyone who experiences depression during pregnancy needs intensive care. Many people benefit from good outpatient care, support from those around them, and regular medical follow-up. However, there are situations in which extra distance, rest, and privacy can be helpful—for example, when someone feels completely stuck, when previous treatment was ineffective, or when the home environment offers little room for recovery.

Private care can be appealing because it allows for more time and attention to be devoted to each person’s individual story. At Montgó Lifestyle, treatment isn’t based on a standard program, but on an approach tailored to what a person has experienced, where they are now, and what is needed to rebuild stability. The setting in the peaceful hills of the Costa Blanca fosters tranquility, reflection, and a respite from daily pressures, while always providing guidance, structure, and support for recovery.

Pregnancy requires extra care in this regard. Travel ability, stage of pregnancy, physical health, and ongoing medical checkups must always be taken into account. Private treatment in Spain is therefore not automatically suitable for every pregnant person. During a confidential initial consultation, we can discuss what is needed, what care is already in place, and whether intensive support would be appropriate and helpful.

For people who aren't sure if their symptoms are serious enough, the article "I'm Depressed: When Is It Time to Seek Help? " can help put the signs into perspective.

What You Can Do Today

If you’re reading this and recognize yourself in it, you don’t have to turn your whole life upside down right away. Start small. Choose one person you feel safe enough to confide in and tell them that you’re not doing well. Make an appointment with your primary care physician or midwife and explicitly mention that you’re experiencing sadness, anxiety, or depressive thoughts. If necessary, write down your symptoms so you don’t have to remember everything during the appointment.

In addition, try to temporarily reduce the pressure to function normally. This might mean making fewer social plans, discussing your workload, accepting practical help, or stopping pretending that everything is fine. These steps won’t cure depression on their own, but they can create space for professional help.

If you're reaching out on someone else's behalf, keep it personal and calm. Tell them you're concerned, that you're not judging them, and that you want to work together to figure out what kind of help would be appropriate. Sometimes that's exactly the opening someone needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression During Pregnancy:

Is depression during pregnancy the same as normal mood swings? No, not always. Mood swings can be a normal part of pregnancy, but persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiety, loss of interest, or thoughts of not wanting to live require professional attention.

Can depression during pregnancy be treated? Yes, there are various forms of support available, such as consultations with your primary care physician or midwife, psychological treatment, support for your partner or family, and, in some cases, a medical evaluation regarding medication. The appropriate course of action depends on your situation.

Can I take antidepressants while I’m pregnant? Never make this decision on your own. Stopping, starting, or adjusting your medication should always be discussed with a doctor, because both your symptoms and your medication must be carefully weighed during pregnancy.

What if I feel ashamed because I’m not happy about my pregnancy? Shame is common, but your feelings don’t make you a bad person or a bad parent. Symptoms of depression aren’t a character flaw. In fact, being honest about how you’re doing can be the first step toward getting support.

When is more intensive help needed? Intensive help may be appropriate if your symptoms worsen, your daily functioning is severely disrupted, previous help was not enough, you are dealing with trauma or addiction, or if you are having thoughts of self-harm. In cases of immediate danger, urgent help is needed.

A Confidential First Step

Depression during pregnancy doesn’t have to be endured in silence. Whether you’re pregnant yourself, worried about someone close to you, or a professional looking for appropriate support, a confidential conversation can help bring clarity.

Montgó Lifestyle offers private, discreet support for people who are struggling with depression, stress, trauma, burnout, or addiction. In a safe environment that provides personalized attention, 24/7 support during their stay, and a focus on aftercare, we assess what each person truly needs. Please feel free to contact Montgó Lifestyle to discuss whether this type of support is right for your situation.