What is depression during pregnancy & After birth giving?
In Vietnam, becoming pregnant and having a child is often seen as a proud milestone and a source of joy. But not every pregnant woman feels happy all the time. Along with the physical changes of pregnancy, many women also experience emotional ups and downs. For some, this includes constant sadness, worry, or feeling disconnected from themselves or their baby.
This could be a sign of perinatal depression, a type of depression that can occur during pregnancy or up to one year after giving birth. This is more than just “feeling moody”, it is a real medical condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions. Postpartum depression only refers to cases of mothers getting depression after giving birth.
Worldwide, about 1 in 10 women experience depression during pregnancy. In Vietnam, studies estimate that 12% to nearly 30% of pregnant women may be affected (Nhi et al., 2018; Van Ngo et al., 2018). That means if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Why don’t we talk about it more?
In many Vietnamese families, mental health is still a sensitive topic. Some may feel ashamed or afraid of being judged if they talk about emotional struggles. But experiencing depression during pregnancy is not a sign of weakness or failure. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother. Your health, both body and mind, matters deeply, not just for you, but also for your baby.
At Survival Skills Vietnam, we recognize the importance of creating safe, stigma-free spaces for mental health conversations. Through our First Aid for Mental Health workshops, we aim to help mothers and their loved ones better understand and support emotional well-being during and after pregnancy because this kind of education can truly save lives.
How is perinatal depression different from the “Baby blues”?
Many new mothers feel tired, emotional, or worried after giving birth. These feelings, often called the “baby blues”, are very common and usually go away within a couple of weeks without treatment.
But perinatal depression is different. It lasts longer, feels heavier, and often interferes with sleep, relationships, and even how a mother bonds with her baby. Without support, it can last for months and deeply affect both the mother’s and the baby’s well-being.
Why does it happen?
There is no single cause. Depression during pregnancy can result from a mix of biological, emotional, and social stressors:
- Hormonal changes in the brain;
- Past trauma or abuse;
- Lack of support from family or partner;
- Financial stress or work pressure;
- Fear about childbirth or raising a child;
- Personal or family history of depression, etc.
Vietnamese mothers may also experience added pressure from traditional beliefs, such as the idea that mental illness reflects past mistakes, suffering, or karma, often influenced by Buddhist beliefs. This can create pressure to hide symptoms in order to avoid bringing shame to the family. Recognizing these cultural barriers is important in encouraging more open and compassionate conversations around mental health.
SSVN’s mission is to strengthen communities through education, and that includes addressing these barriers. By expanding our workshops offering beyond physical first aid to include mental health education, we hope to empower families with the tools to respond effectively and respectfully when a loved one is struggling.
How can it affect you and your baby?
While some may view emotional struggles during pregnancy as “normal,” untreated depression can have real consequences for both the mother and the baby.
For the mother
- it can lead to poor sleep
- unhealthy eating
- difficulty attending doctor visits
- or losing interest in self-care
For the baby
- there is an increased risk of low birth weight
- developmental delays
- or trouble bonding with the parent
But with the right support, most women recover fully and are able to care for themselves and their baby in healthy, fulfilling ways.
What are the symptoms?
It’s not uncommon to feel emotionally sensitive during pregnancy. But if your feelings don’t go away or get worse, they could be symptoms of perinatal depression:
- Persistent sadness or feeling emotionally “empty” most of the day;
- Persistent sadness or feeling emotionally “empty” most of the day;
- Losing interest in things you once enjoyed;
- Feeling tired or lacking energy;
- Moving or speaking more slowly—or feeling restless;
- Feeling worthless or overwhelmed by guilt;
- Trouble focusing or making decisions;
- Crying often, sometimes for no clear reasons;
- Feeling disconnected from your baby, or anxious around the baby;
- Feeling like a bad mother;
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, etc.
If you recognize several of these signs lasting more than two weeks, it’s important to seek help.
When should you get professional help?
You should talk to a doctor or health provider if:
- You’ve been feeling low or anxious for more than two weeks;
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby;
- Your emotional struggles are getting worse;
- You’re having trouble caring for yourself or your baby.
You can start by speaking with a general doctor (GP), OB-GYN, or midwife. They can help rule out physical conditions that can mimic depression (such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies) and refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist.
However, we acknowledge that not all doctors in Vietnam are trained in mental health, especially when it comes to issues during and after pregnancy. Prenatal visits may also feel too rushed or not private enough to discuss emotional health. If you are able, please consider visiting a mental health specialist who can provide more personalized and confidential care.
What can you do to feel better?
Self-Care and Lifestyle Support
Small actions each day can make a difference:
- Talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, doctor, or midwife.
- Practice calming breathing when overwhelmed. For Vietnamese-language options, meditation apps like InsightTimer, Thiền Đương Đại or Saigon Meditation Project (SMP) can be helpful.
- Stay physically active during pregnancy if your doctor says it’s safe. Light movement like walking, yoga, swimming, or stretching can improve mood and sleep.
- Eat nutritious meals and drink enough water to maintain energy and mental clarity.
- Join a pregnancy support group or class to meet others expecting around the same time. They may be having similar experiences and/or have advice on how to cope.
Therapy / Psychological Support
Talking to a trained mental health professional can help you explore your feelings and develop new ways to cope. You may be offered:
- One-on-one counseling, in person or online.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps shift negative thought patterns over time
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – focuses on improving your relationships and building social support.
Medication (Antidepressants)
In some cases, your doctor might recommend antidepressants, especially if:
- Your depression is moderate to severe;
- Therapy isn’t available or hasn’t helped;
- You prefer to take medication.
Many antidepressants are safe to take during pregnancy. A combination of therapy and medication is often most effective. ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends several medications for perinatal depression, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants. Your doctor will work with you to weigh the benefits and risks in using medications for both you and your baby.
How partners, family, and friends can help
Support from loved ones is essential. Here are a few ways they can help, adapted from Mom’s Mental Health Matters by the U.S. National Institutes of Health:
- Know the signs: If a loved one seems withdrawn, anxious, or overwhelmed, encourage her to speak with a healthcare provider.
- Listen: Let her know that you want to hear about her concerns and that you care for her wellbeing. Say something like, “I’ve noticed you haven’t been doing the things you used to enjoy. What’s on your mind?”.
- Give emotional and physical support: Reassure her she’s not alone, and help with chores so she can rest, attend appointments, or take time to visit with friends and family.
- Encourage getting help: If she is afraid of being judged or labeled “crazy,” let her know that depression is common and treatable. Offer to make an appointment together or go with her. etc
Final note
You are not alone. Perinatal depression is not your fault, and it can happen to anyone. With support—whether from family, friends, or professionals—most mothers recover and go on to experience motherhood in joyful and meaningful ways.
At Survival Skills Vietnam, we offer First aid for mental health where family members can learn the skills to support one another or to care for themselves. We believe that by learning and connecting together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate community.
