The Pregnant Pause

Depression

What Does Depression Look Like in a New Mom?

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on May 25, 2021

Feelings of depression are often hidden or go unmentioned for fear of being seen as a “bad mom.” But ignoring depression can be like trying to run with a broken leg.

Feelings of depression are often hidden or go unmentioned for fear of being seen as a “bad mom.” But ignoring depression can be like trying to run with a broken leg.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Loss and Depression: The Untold Story

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on May 18, 2021

Many women lack the long-term support they need after pregnancy loss.

Many women lack the long-term support they need after pregnancy loss.

Postpartum Depression

The Black-ish Episode on Postpartum Depression

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on May 10, 2021

TV shows like Black-ish that talk about postpartum depression helps to open doors so we can all talk more about perinatal anxiety and depression in mainstream culture.

TV shows like Black-ish that talk about postpartum depression helps to open doors so we can all talk more about perinatal anxiety and depression in mainstream culture.

Pregnancy

7 Hacks for Your Emotional Well-Being While Pregnant

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on May 2, 2021

During pregnancy, it can feel like thinking about the baby is taking up all of your mental space along with body space—leaving precious little room for you.

During pregnancy, it can feel like thinking about the baby is taking up all of your mental space along with body space—leaving precious little room for you.

Depression

Are You Depressed, Anxious and Pregnant?

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on April 26, 2021

For women with a history of depression and anxiety, symptom management is key.

For women with a history of depression and anxiety, symptom management is key.

Pregnancy

Emotional Health and Hard Times During Pregnancy

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on April 19, 2021

Even in bad times, pregnant women can remain emotionally healthy by recognizing that some degree of strong feelings is normal and appropriate.

Even in bad times, pregnant women can remain emotionally healthy by recognizing that some degree of strong feelings is normal and appropriate.

Pregnancy

5 Tips for Staying Mentally Healthy During Pregnancy

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on April 6, 2021

What does it take to stay in shape during pregnancy?

What does it take to stay in shape during pregnancy?

Postpartum Depression

The Important Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on March 30, 2021

Couples who are undergoing infertility treatments have higher rates of depression.

Couples who are undergoing infertility treatments have higher rates of depression.

Anxiety

Anxious and Pregnant: What Is Normal?

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on March 15, 2021

Some anxiety is normal during pregnancy but if you are experiencing severe symptoms that interfere with your quality of life for more than two weeks, see your healthcare provider.

Some anxiety is normal during pregnancy but if you are experiencing severe symptoms that interfere with your quality of life for more than two weeks, see your healthcare provider.

Depression

The Warning Signs of Prenatal Depression

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on March 8, 2021

Depression during pregnancy is almost as common as postnatal depression and can be safely treated without risking the baby’s health.

Depression during pregnancy is almost as common as postnatal depression and can be safely treated without risking the baby’s health.

Health

The Truth About Prenatal Emotional Health Problems

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on March 1, 2021

For 40 percent of women, prenatal depression and anxiety carry on through postpartum and well into the early childhood period.

For 40 percent of women, prenatal depression and anxiety carry on through postpartum and well into the early childhood period.

Pregnancy

Why It's Important to Screen for Depression in Pregnancy

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on February 23, 2021

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common complications in pregnancy. They are more common than diabetes and high blood pressure.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common complications in pregnancy. They are more common than diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sleep

Using Sleep to Prevent Postpartum Depression

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on February 16, 2021

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best preventive strategies available to pregnant women. It can help prevent postpartum depression as well as birth complications.

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best preventive strategies available to pregnant women. It can help prevent postpartum depression as well as birth complications.

Pregnancy

Help for Pregnant Women With Anxiety or Depression

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on February 9, 2021

Up to 80% of women who struggle with postpartum depression had symptoms that could have been detected first in pregnancy. Early detection could save months of hardship.

Up to 80% of women who struggle with postpartum depression had symptoms that could have been detected first in pregnancy. Early detection could save months of hardship.

Health

Moving Perinatal Mental Health Forward

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on January 25, 2021

We used to think depression in pregnancy went away on its own. Now we know that without treatment, 40 percent of women with depression in pregnancy still have symptoms when their child starts school.

We used to think depression in pregnancy went away on its own. Now we know that without treatment, 40 percent of women with depression in pregnancy still have symptoms when their child starts school.

Pregnancy

Suicide in Pregnant Women and New Mothers

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on September 22, 2020

Pregnant women and new mothers were more likely to be depressed, but less likely to have access to services that might have intervened to save their lives.

Pregnant women and new mothers were more likely to be depressed, but less likely to have access to services that might have intervened to save their lives.

Postpartum Depression

Practical Ways to Beat the Baby Blues

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on September 9, 2020

Depression, anxiety, and extreme stress during and after pregnancy is common in new mothers, but fear can prevent women from getting help.

Depression, anxiety, and extreme stress during and after pregnancy is common in new mothers, but fear can prevent women from getting help.

Depression

The Write Prescription for Depression and Anxiety

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on August 27, 2020

Writing therapy has shown some remarkable results, including boosting the immune system, but it seems to be most effective as a way to relieve stress

Writing therapy has shown some remarkable results, including boosting the immune system, but it seems to be most effective as a way to relieve stress

Pregnancy

What Is Pregnancy Loss and Why Does It Matter?

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on August 17, 2020

Nesting can be an incredibly exciting and positive time. But then, the results come in. Pregnancy loss.

Nesting can be an incredibly exciting and positive time. But then, the results come in. Pregnancy loss.

SSRIs

Do Antidepressants Cause Autism?

Dawn Kingston Ph.D. on July 27, 2020

The fear (and myth) that there is only one option for depression treatment—medication—keeps many women from even talking to their doctor about their struggles.

The fear (and myth) that there is only one option for depression treatment—medication—keeps many women from even talking to their doctor about their struggles.