Up to 15% of women have depression during pregnancy.
1,2 Pregnant women with untreated depression are at increased risk for poor obstetric follow-up and complications, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, and postnatal complications have been mainly reported.
3 The impact on the child is also of concern, with a possible increased risk for premature birth and low birth weight.
3,4 In addition, depression during pregnancy is the main predictor of postpartum depression,
5,6 which is associated with possible serious impairment in mother-child bonding
7 and child development,
8,9 with behavioral problems
10,11 and poor scores on social engagement and emotional regulation.
12 Thus, treatment for prenatal depression appears essential for clinicians, with regard to both the mother and the infant.