[#3 november 26,2008 first]

I've been fine though out this whole pregnancy. I was put on meds during both of my previous pregnancies for depression. it seems that all of a sudden at 35 weeks I'm constantly crying and I lose my temper really easily. it is possible for postpartum depression to start before the baby is born? I know that it would not technically be postpartum.

[Krissy]

Yes, but that would just be considered depression. Once the baby is born it becomes postpartum depression.

[G-gal]

It is not unusual at all to be depressed before the baby comes. Please talk to your doctor, as it is completely understandable. They are going to want to keep an eye on you a little closer.

[*~Due December 1st With A]

I guess it would be called Prenatal Depression. I am 34 1/2 weeks and was very depressed for a few months. I feel better now, though. If you don't want to be on meds, just try not thinking about things that are bothering you. I know that sounds ineffective, but it hasn't been for me. Instead of letting something really get to me, I just say to myself, "Okay. I need to calm down. Just ignore it." And I do--I just put the issue in the back of my mind and try to go on with my day, as long as it's not something that needs to be dealt with. But if you see or hear something upsetting, just really try not to let it get to you, because that's when the stress starts and you start thinking about other things that make you angry/upset. I do feel better now, since I try not to think of negative things and I try to be tough so I'm not always weeping and then feeling like a weakling . Is there a specific reason why you start crying, or do you think it might be your hormones making you more sensitive than usual?

[KP*Due 1*6*09 With Abigai]

Yeah I would talk to your doctor about it they can get you on some medication to help you. I will probably have to get on medication right after because I have had anxiety/depression for about a year and a half and I too enjoy my pregnancy but cry a lot and lose my temper really easily. My husband and I fight a lot because I fight over stupid things so as I get closer I will probably have to have that talk with my doctor too.. Best of luck. I hope you start feeling better!

[Dr. Shoshana Bennett]

Absolutely! Depression during pregnancy is just as common as postpartum depression (15-20%). Especially since you've experienced depression during pregnancy (also known as prenatal depression) before, you were very high risk to experience it again. What's most important is that there's lots you can do to stop it in its tracks before it gets worse or continues into postpartum depression after the baby's born.

Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D.