Antenatal depression

What is depression? 

We all have good days and bad. But if you have ongoing feelings of sadness, feeling down and/or have lost interest or pleasure in everyday life, then you may be experiencing depression.

"You can’t snap out of it when you are in that deep, dark spot – that black hole – that you get into."

Depression is the second most common mental health condition that can affect you at any time of life, but the likelihood increases during pregnancy, with up to ten percent of women (one in ten) experiencing depression during pregnancy (‘antenatal depression’). 

"A lot of emphasis is put on postnatal depression.  It was only when I went online that I realised how common antenatal depression was."

Like anxiety in pregnancy, signs of antenatal depression may be attributed to other things, like hormones, tiredness and feeling uncomfortable, and, hence, the opportunity to get on top of the depression early and before the baby arrives has passed.

"With the benefit of hindsight I now understand I had signs of depression during my pregnancy, but didn’t know how to recognise them – I thought I was just hormonal.  There were several occasions that I found myself in my (unborn) son’s room, big belly, teary and sad, but unsure why."

How can antenatal depression develop?

Depression may develop gradually or within a short period of time, and may go on for weeks, months or even years, if not treated.  If it develops during pregnancy, it is likely to continue following the birth of your baby, so getting help before baby arrives is a good idea.

Symptoms of antenatal depression

• Feeling low or numb – some people describe feeling nothing at all
• Loss of confidence, feeling helpless, hopeless and worthless
• Feeling teary and emotional, angry, irritable or resentful towards others
• Changes in sleep – not being able to sleep, even when you have the opportunity or, conversely, wanting to sleep all the time
• Changes in appetite – accompanied by weight loss or weight gain
• Lack of interest and/or energy
• Difficulties concentrating, thinking clearly or making decisions, which could also result from lack of sleep
• Feeling isolated, alone and disconnected from others
• Having thoughts of harming yourself, baby and/or other children
• Finding it difficult to cope and get through the day.

You will be likely to experience changes in sleep patterns and appetite as the pregnancy progresses.  However, if these changes are also accompanied by negative thinking and feelings about yourself, it is important to consider whether you may be experiencing antenatal depression and the need to discuss this with your health professional.

Can depression and anxiety co-occur?

It is also very common for people to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression at the same time – in fact, up to half of people do.  Whilst this presents a very uncomfortable mix of feelings, the good news is that there are safe and effective treatments that can treat and manage both conditions at the same time, during pregnancy.

Nia’s personal experience of depression

We chatted to Nia about her experience, and recovery from postnatal depression, on our YouTube and podcast series The Mum Drum.