Antenatal Depression

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life but up to 10% of all pregnant women are suffering with antenatal depression or anxiety.

If you, or someone close to you is suffering with symptoms of anxiety or depression in pregnancy please read on, the help and support you need is here at Mother's Voice.

Symptoms

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Memory loss
Anxiety or fears about the pregnancy or becoming a parent
Feeling emotionally numb
Feeling irritable
Difficulty sleeping (not related to pregnancy)
Extremes in appetite and/or weight loss or weight gain not related to pregnancy
Feeling like a failure, feelings of guilt
Feeling very tearful, angry or anxious/panicky
Thoughts of death or suicide

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing antenatal depression

Previous history of mental illness either in yourself or a close relative.
History of fertility treatment or pregnancy loss.
Financial or housing worries.
Lack of family support or limited social network
Physical illness during pregnancy.
Whether this pregnancy was planned.
Traumatic events either before or during the pregnancy.
Childhood or adult sexual abuse.

Treatment for antenatal depression/anxiety

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) set out guidelines in 2007 recommending that pregnant women should be assessed early for signs of antenatal depression/anxiety and appropriate referrals made.

If you are worried that you are at risk, or currently have some symptoms of, antenatal illness please speak with your GP or Midwife. You can be referred to a specialist, a perinatal psychiatrist who will care for you during your pregnancy and afterwards too.

There is medication that you can take during your pregnancy that is considered safe for your baby.

You may also be referred for counselling.

It is important to receive help as soon as possible so that you can enjoy your pregnancy and new baby.

Above all, please remember -

Antenatal depression is temporary and you will get better

Disclaimer:

This website provides only support and information, it does not give medical advice. Any support given should not replace any advice given by your own medical professional. Please do not rely on this website to respond to your post immediately.

In an emergency always call 999 or go to you nearest Accident & Emergency department.

For non-emergency but still serious cases please call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.