You might have heard of postnatal depression (depression after the birth of your baby, also known as PND), but have you also heard of antenatal depression (depression during pregnancy)?
Research shows that 8 to 11 per cent of women experience depression during pregnancy while 13 per cent of women will go through PND. The symptoms are the same for both. However, not everyone will experience depression the same way.
Depression tends to develop gradually and may go on for many months. It may start before or during your pregnancy and then continue after childbirth. It may also occur for the first time after your baby has arrived.
If left unrecognised and untreated, it may develop into a chronic condition or come back in a following pregnancy.
Symptoms of depression
If you experience any of the symptoms below for more than a few days, talk about treatment options with a health professional:
- low mood
- feeling inadequate, like a failure, guilty, ashamed, worthless, hopeless, helpless, empty, or sad
- often feeling close to tears
- feeling angry, irritable or resentful (for example, feeling easily irritated by your other children or your partner)
- fear for the baby and/or fear of the baby
- fear of being alone or going out
- not enjoying or being interested in usual activities (including sex)
- insomnia or excessive (too much) sleep, having nightmares
- appetite changes (not eating or over-eating)
- feeling unmotivated and unable to cope with your daily routine
- decreased energy and feeling exhausted
- withdrawing from social contact and/or not looking after yourself properly
- having trouble thinking clearly or making decisions, lack of concentration and poor memory
- having thoughts about suicide or wanting to run away from everything.
Some of these symptoms can also result from a lack of sleep, such as decreased energy, feeling exhausted, having trouble thinking clearly, lack of concentration and poor memory.
These symptoms are common with a new baby. A health professional will help work out if the symptoms are within the normal range for you or if they could indicate depression.
If you think your partner or baby would be better off without you, or are having thoughts of suicide, contact a health professional immediately.