We have all seen the movies with the quintessential pregnant woman who looks like a model, glowing from ear to ear, sleeping through the night, full of energy and happiness.

In reality, pregnancy for many women is a hormonal roller coaster, filled with bouts of morning sickness, unnecessary weight gain, sleep deprivation, fatigue and worry to name a few.

Many of these feelings go along with pregnancy; the question is what goes beyond the normal pregnancy hormonal range of issues?

 Here are ten symptoms of possible depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy:

1.) Issues with falling or staying asleep, not solely related to heartburn, bladder or other pregnancy related issues.

Disrupted sleep may be caused by racing thoughts, anxiety and/or worry over the pregnancy and future motherhood needs and responsibilities.

2.) Issues with oversleeping.

If you are constantly tired even after resting, too tired to participate or complete activities or responsibilities.

3.) Lowered self-esteem.

You may be struggling with guilt or other negative thoughts about self as a person, mother or wife.

4.) Decreased social engagement and interest in doing things she used to enjoy to do.

You may have turned from an extrovert to an introvert; not returning calls or meeting with people after you agreed to do so.

5.) Sad, depressed mood with little to no highs.

You may be feeling lethargic and fatigued even after resting.

6.) Absence of joy in the present and/or for the future as a mother.

Little to no excitement about shopping for the baby, being pregnant or having a baby.

7.) Change of appetite, usually decreased.

You may see a lack of proper weight gain and/or forcing yourself to eat.

8.) Anxiety, racing thoughts and stress over possibly motherhood and being pregnant.

May have perfectionistic desires for self and others, especially the father.

9.) Poor concentration, inability to focus or remember things.

Perhaps missed or forgotten appointments and issues at work.

10.) Thoughts of suicide.

Possibly thinking of harming herself and/or the baby. May think she will make a horrible mother and this is the best choice.

If one or more of these symptoms sound familiar to you or a loved one and are causing issues in day-to-day life, help is available. Recovery from prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety is possible once discovered and proper help is received.

No one has to go through it alone. Educate yourself and others by going to Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net or call their Warmline at 1.800.944.4PPD. As always, in case of emergency please call 911 and contact your medical doctor.

Orlando Counseling with Life Solutions Counseling in Orlando/Maitland offers, couples, family and individual counseling on Perinatal, Prenatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders including depression and anxiety. Please call to make an appointment today at 407-622-1770.

Author: Morgan Rahmini