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Antenatal Depression
Pregnancy can be a scary time, the prospect of a total life-change and having somebody who relies on you completely for everything can be a daunting responsibility. This, along with hormonal changes, may result in antenatal depression.
The expectation is that pregnancy is a happy time and you should embrace it with confidence and joy. This is not always the case though. Many women who are in a secure, comfortable situation and who shouldn't have a care in the world find themselves sinking into depression at what should be one of the happiest moments in their lives.
You may feel isolated, panicky, distanced from your partner and family and as if nobody understands what you are going through. You may also feel like a failure because you are not happy and feel you should be.
Antenatal depression is characterised by:
loss of confidence
impaired concentration
withdrawal from other people
guilt
despondency and pessimism
irritability and resentfulness
panic attacks
thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Until recent years, antenatal, or prenatal, depression wasn't very well documented, but now it is thought that perhaps as many as 10% of women may suffer from it. The worst time seems to be between weeks 18 and 32 of pregnancy.
Hormonal changes may play some part in antenatal depression but, as yet, very little is known about the causes. Like other forms of depression, the condition can stem from common worries; pregnancy can be a scary time, the prospect of a total life change and having somebody who relies on you completely for everything is a massive and daunting responsibility so it is not surprising that it becomes a bit overwhelming for some women. Money, work or relationships can also add to the strain and those having an unplanned pregnancy, who've had previous depression, or who lack support could be at greater risk.
It is important to get help if you feel you may be suffering from depression, talk to your doctor, midwife or health visitor and don't be afraid to speak about how you feel.
The good news is that having antenatal depression doesn't mean that you will necessarily suffer from postnatal depression.
