Antenatal and Postnatal Depression

Antenatal (which is now preferred as a term over prenatal) is the period of time during pregnancy, postnatal is the period of time after pregnancy and depression is a mental health condition that can affect the mother/birthing person and the father/partner.

 Depression is recognised via a series of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to conduct normal daily activities and last for 2-4 weeks or more. 

What are the symptoms?

• Feeling sad, low or down the majority of the time
• Regularly feeling tearful
• A loss of pleasure in doing the things that used to bring enjoyment· Feeling unusually sleepy during the day or an inability to get out of bed
• Intrusive thoughts
• Struggling with concentration
• Becoming unusually indecisive
• Irritability, short tempered and rageful outbursts
• Becoming isolated and avoiding social situations
• Feeling restless, short tempered or agitated
• A loss of self-confidence and feelings of worthlessness
• A sense of overwhelming guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Struggling to bond with your baby
• Struggling with everyday parenting or daily routine tasks
• Over or under eating

Treatment

Early recognition, support and treatment can be a huge benefit to the health and wellbeing of the whole family unit, so it is important to seek professional help/guidance from a GP or midwife as soon as you think that you or someone you know might be affected by any of these symptoms.

More information about depression can be found here: Postnatal depression | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk)