Antenatal depression

Antenatal depression means depression that starts during pregnancy.

Between 10-15% of pregnant women experience episodes of mood swings that last more than two weeks at a time and interfere with normal day to day functioning.  These can be a reaction to the pregnancy itself, for example if the baby is unplanned or unwanted, or due to health issues the mother has such as persistent nausea, or due to other major life stresses such as serious relationship problems. 

For some women who become depressed during pregnancy there will be more of a genetic or biochemical basis for their symptoms.

Depressive symptoms in pregnancy can also be due to a continuation or relapse of a pre-pregnancy condition especially if prescribed medication has been stopped just prior to the pregnancy. 

Around 40% of women who experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy will go on to experience postnatal depression if they do not receive treatment.  If you experience such symptoms it is recommended that you seek early assessment by a health care professional so that steps can be taken to provide you with appropriate support or treatment.

Where to seek help for depression.