Pregnancy is a joyful journey, but not every expectant mother feels happy all of the time.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression during pregnancy is a mental health condition that can arise at any stage of pregnancy. This is not weakness, and not a sign that a mother does not love her baby, but a health problem that needs proper attention and support.
🚨 Signs Expectant Mothers Easily Overlook
- Lasting sadness or a feeling of emptiness
- No longer taking any interest in activities you once loved
- Crying more easily and becoming more irritable than usual
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Eating unusually little or unusually much
- Worrying excessively about yourself or the baby
- Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
- Constantly feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Thoughts of harming yourself or of no longer wanting to live
📌 A few isolated signs are not enough to conclude that there is depression. What matters is whether the symptoms persist and affect everyday life.
⚠️ Why Are Expectant Mothers Prone To Depression?
During pregnancy, a mother's body and life change in many ways at once. Some of the factors that can increase the risk are:
- Hormonal changes
- A history of depression or anxiety disorders
- Financial or work pressure
- Tension within a marriage or family
- An unplanned pregnancy
- A lack of care and support from those close to her
- Worry about the birth or about caring for the baby
- A pregnancy with complications
❤️ Does Depression During Pregnancy Affect The Baby?
Most expectant mothers can still have a healthy pregnancy if the condition is recognised and supported in good time.
However, if it continues without treatment, it can increase the risk of:
- The mother eating poorly and lacking nutrients
- Prolonged insomnia and physical exhaustion
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Difficulty bonding between mother and baby after the birth
- A higher risk of postnatal depression
⏰ When Should You Seek Care?
If the symptoms:
✔️ Last longer than 2 weeks
✔️ Affect daily life, work or antenatal care
✔️ Leave the mother constantly feeling hopeless and without motivation
✔️ Or bring on thoughts of self-harm
👉 Expectant mothers should see an obstetrician, a psychiatrist or a psychologist for early assessment and support.
Recognising it early not only improves the mother's mental health but also helps make the pregnancy safer for both mother and baby.
🏥 Suggested Trusted Facilities
Ho Chi Minh City
🏥 FV Hospital
🏥 University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City
🏥 Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital
🏥 DYM Medical Centre
Hanoi
🏥 MEDLATEC Healthcare System
🏥 Vinmec Times City
🏥 Bach Mai Hospital (Institute of Mental Health)
🏥 National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
💰 Indicative Costs
💙 Psychiatric specialist consultation: 300,000 – 800,000 VND
💙 Psychological counselling: 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND
💙 In-depth psychological assessment: 800,000 – 3,000,000 VND
💙 Treatment and follow-up as directed by a doctor: varies by facility
📱 Halza Alongside Expectant Mothers
💚 Book appointments online with trusted hospitals and clinics
📂 Store pregnancy records and test results electronically
👩⚕️ Keep track of appointments and follow-ups throughout your pregnancy
👨👩👧 Manage the whole family's health in a single app
📚 References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- NHS (National Health Service)
- Mayo Clinic
- Ministry of Health of Vietnam
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