Postpartum depression is a serious problem, but at least it's one that most expectant mother know to watch out for. A related condition that's received less attention is prenatal or antepartum depression – depression that occurs sometime during the pregnancy, rather than after.

Birth mothers who plan to give their baby up for adoption may be at particular risk for developing prenatal depression. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Prenatal Depression?

The decision to give up a baby for adoption is life-changing. After you have decided to put a baby up for adoption, you will have to decide which adoption agency to use, which family gets the baby, and whether or not you would like to stay in touch with the baby after adoption.

Making these decisions will help you have a less stressful pregnancy and a smoother adoption experience. Here is what you need to know about these three important decisions before placing your baby up for adoption.

1. Which Adoption Agency Will You Use?

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, including changes in hormones and immune function. These changes often require pregnant women to take better care of themselves. Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy can help keep you and your baby safe. Healthy habits can even lead to an easier labor and delivery. Here is what you need to know.

1. Take Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins contain a lot of the nutrients that pregnant women should consume to ensure healthy development of the fetus. One of these vitamins is called folic acid. Taking folic acid reduces the baby's risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Prenatal vitamins also contain iron, which delivers oxygen to your baby, as well as calcium. You will need calcium because you may lose bone density during pregnancy. Follow instructions on the prenatal vitamin bottle to ensure that you take enough capsules throughout pregnancy. 

Pregnancy is a time when many women experience physical discomfort like sore muscles, back pain, and pain in the breasts. Wearing the right clothes during this time is very important. Comfortable clothes can help reduce discomfort and make the overall experience of being pregnant easier to tolerate.

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