Antenatal depression
Around 10% of mums-to-be are affected - with women who have suffered from depression previously at greater risk.
Symptoms of antenatal depression include:
Reasons for Antenatal Depression
No one knows for definite why some women get it and others don’t. Hormones certainly can play a role – most women do experience mood swings during their nine months but some are more affected by these than others. If you are having problems with your partner in adjusting as a couple towards the pregnancy, this could also be making you feel low. In addition, plenty of expectant mums have anxieties about whether they'll be good enough mothers, along with worries that they may not be able to respond effectively to their baby’s needs. All of these feelings can trigger a bout of antenatal depression.
For some women with antenatal depression the depression will improve after the birth, but for others it will develop into postnatal depression. So, if you are suffering it is important to seek help. To get support now, call 07931740475.
Around 10% of mums-to-be are affected - with women who have suffered from depression previously at greater risk.
Symptoms of antenatal depression include:
- An inability to concentrate
- Anxiety
- Extreme irritability with others and yourself
- Sleep problems
- Eating problems – lack of appetite or eating too much for the sake of it
- Feeling tired all of the time
- Inability to enjoy anything anymore
- Constant sadness and feeling tearful
- Agoraphobia – scared to leave the house or be in social situations
- Obsessive compulsive tendencies
Reasons for Antenatal Depression
No one knows for definite why some women get it and others don’t. Hormones certainly can play a role – most women do experience mood swings during their nine months but some are more affected by these than others. If you are having problems with your partner in adjusting as a couple towards the pregnancy, this could also be making you feel low. In addition, plenty of expectant mums have anxieties about whether they'll be good enough mothers, along with worries that they may not be able to respond effectively to their baby’s needs. All of these feelings can trigger a bout of antenatal depression.
For some women with antenatal depression the depression will improve after the birth, but for others it will develop into postnatal depression. So, if you are suffering it is important to seek help. To get support now, call 07931740475.
