Depression, Anxiety, Pregnancy and Covid

It may seem obvious that pregnant women may be experiencing more symptoms of depression and anxiety during covid. Worry about the baby being affected by Covid, feelings of a lack of control, and fear of having to go into a hospital during this time can result in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts. Sleep and relationships can be affected which only serves to continue the cycle of anxiety and depressive symptoms. So, as the following article provides evidence for the obvious, which is that pregnant women are experiencing more symptoms of depression and anxiety during Covid, the conclusion of the article is what is most striking to me. The conclusion states what should be the obvious but is not. What is not obvious to most is that women who have symptoms of anxiety and depression but do not meet the criteria for an anxiety or depressive disorder may still be suffering. Despite not meeting a full criteria for a disorder, the symptoms are still painful. Pregnant women need to be screened and provided with support and resources even if they don’t meet a full criteria for an anxiety or depressive disorder, especially during these strange times of Covid.