Is your pregnant daughter depressed?

A recent news report titled "Mood in pregnancy impacts early child development" summarizes a research study that is the first one focused on this topic. So while the research results are interesting, keep in mind that many other studies need to be conducted to verify whether or not these results are accurate. A single research study result can not be called conclusive.

The article says that of the 9,244 women in the research study, 14% of those women were depressed during pregnancy but not depressed 2 months after the birth of their child. So, some women are depressed during pregnancy but do not appear to also have postpartum depression. Is your pregnant daughter depressed? If so, make sure she talks to her doctor and to a mental health professional about how she is feeling. See if there are any local support groups for pregnant singles (perhaps at a pregnancy help center). Look into weekly counseling by professionals or mentoring by peers. Help your pregnant daughter not become isolated: attend church regularly, join Mothers of Preschoolers or other parenting support groups. If your daughter is choosing an adoption plan, she should be involved in individual and group counseling.

The research study indicates that children of mothers who were depressed during pregnancy are about 34% more likely to have a developmental delay at age 18 months. "A developmental delay is any significant lag in a child's physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social development, in comparison with established normal ranges for his or her age." The research summary does not tell us if these possible delays were small or big delays.

The article ends by saying that parents can do a lot to improve their child's development even if there is depression in the family.

First, learn about how a child develops. Your local pregnancy help center may have educational videos about this topic; you can also find a lot of information at your library, pediatrician's office, and health department.

Second, brainstorm with your daughter about how the entire family can help to encourage good development in her child. Her child will need lots of individual and undivided attention. Who will read to him/her every day? Who will play with him/her every day? Who will take the baby to appropriate activities outside of the house on a regular basis?

If the child will be in daycare, what activities do they offer to promote good development? How many children does one adult have to juggle? Are the staff trained in child development? You may find it helpful to read the chapter titled "Childcare responsibilities" in our book "How To Survive Your Teen's Pregnancy" to learn more about choosing a good daycare provider.

If family is not available to help with lots of individual attention for the child, research whether an adoptive family would provide benefits to the child.