Incidence, difficulty in diagnosis, and consequences

November 2021, study conducted by Trocando Fraldas with over 5,000 women between October 11 and 14, 2021: Mood swings during pregnancy are normal as they are a result of the hormonal changes that women experience at this stage. However, if these mood swings persist for weeks or months, women should talk to their obstetrician to evaluate the situation and check for depression. This is because depression during pregnancy can lead to a lack of interest in the pregnancy and cause consequences for the baby.

And as we found in our most recent study, 8% of Brazilian women have or had depression during pregnancy. In addition, 11% of women have or had postpartum depression, and 5% experienced depression in both phases.

Did you have depression during pregnancy or postpartum?

Changes and adaptations

Pregnancy is a period of rapid changes in a woman's body and mood. In addition to heightened sensitivity, there are all the expectations—positive or negative—about having a child. It's impossible not to think about the future and to have worries at that moment.

There can be many reasons for triggering a case of depression during pregnancy. Some women are predisposed to depression, while others find themselves lacking family or medical support, experiencing disagreements with their partner, loneliness, or, mainly, an unwanted pregnancy.

Therefore, it is essential to be very attentive. Depression, especially during pregnancy, should be treated as soon as possible so that it does not pose risks to the future mother or the baby.

  • Younger women, aged 18 to 24, are most affected by depression during pregnancy, with 10% of participants.
  • Postpartum depression is more common among women aged 35 to 39, with 15% of interviewees.
  • 7% of women aged 40 to 44 have or had depression in both phases, pre- and postpartum.

Medical diagnosis

There are some symptoms that can help identify depression, whether before or after childbirth. Therefore, it is important to watch for symptoms such as: deep sadness, irritability, low spirits and lack of energy, slowed movements and thinking, severe mood swings, excessive sleep or insomnia, and lack of appetite.

For this reason, women should not hide anything from their doctor, so that diagnosis can be made easier. And as we found in the study, 35% of Brazilian women with depression were diagnosed by a doctor. Especially women aged 35 to 39, with 42% of participants.

Did you receive a medical diagnosis?

  • The state with the highest number of diagnoses is Roraima, with 67% of participants.
  • In São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, 32% and 31% respectively were diagnosed by a doctor.
  • And the state with the lowest percentage of medical diagnoses is Sergipe, with 11% of women.

Impact on the relationship with the child

A study by the Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at King's College London, UK, published in the scientific journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, reveals that babies born to mothers who suffered depression during pregnancy are more sensitive. They were found to be more hyperactive, tearful, and produced cortisol in situations that other children face calmly.

In addition to this sensitivity, we also found that 20% of Brazilian women believe that depression affected their relationship with their child. Especially among women aged 18 to 29.

Ranking of states where Brazilian women felt their relationship with their child was affected

  • 1.Roraima
  • 2.Acre
  • 3.Mato Grosso
  • 4.Sergipe
  • 5.Ceará
  • 6.Tocantins
  • 7.Goiás
  • 8.Pernambuco
  • 9.Amazonas
  • 10.Pará
  • 11.Rondônia
  • 12.Maranhão
  • 13.Distrito Federal
  • 14.São Paulo
  • 15.Bahia
  • 16.Rio Grande do Norte
  • 17.Piauí
  • 18.Rio Grande do Sul
  • 19.Santa Catarina
  • 20.Minas Gerais
  • 21.Espírito Santo
  • 22.Paraíba
  • 23.Alagoas
  • 24.Rio de Janeiro
  • 25.Paraná
  • 26.Mato Grosso do Sul
  • 27.Amapá

Rate of Brazilian women who have or had pre- and/or postpartum depression, by state

Research Method

The study had national coverage and was conducted with over 5,000 women between October 11 and 19, 2021. Data was collected using an online questionnaire.

The following questions were addressed:

  • Did you have depression during pregnancy or postpartum?
  • Did you receive a medical diagnosis?
  • Did you or do you share the difficulties of pregnancy on social media or with others?

To compare results between regions and states, answers to affirmative questions were counted numerically, 1 for "yes" and 0 for "no." Some questions, aiming for more qualitative results, offered more options.