Depression is a type of mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness and hopelessness in both men and women. It is normal to feel down from time to time, but when you're depressed, these feelings can last for weeks or even months. Depression can affect every aspect of your life, from how you think, to what you eat, and ultimately, how you behave. As women go through the many stages of pregnancy, they will experience hormonal shifts in the body, which can also lead to a relapse. Some women can develop the first signs of postpartum depression (PPD) during pregnancy.