Women in Britain have a 1 in 4 chance of an episode of depression in their life and this typically occurs during reproductive years particularly when they are vulnerable after giving birth.

One in ten women who have given birth suffer with postnatal depression which can lead to admission to hospital under the Mental Health Act for the protection of both mother and child.

It has been widely thought and accepted that depression occurs after childbirth but it is equally common before the baby is born – known as antenatal depression.

Symptoms of antenatal depression include anxiety, irritability, being tearful, sleep loss, fatigue and loss of appetite although these are generally associated with being pregnant anyway.

These pre-baby blues symptoms have prompted experts to call on doctors and midwives to be extra vigilant during pregnancy for signs that the mother may be developing antenatal depression.

Depression is more common in women who have had previous history of mental health problems, young mothers with little social or emotional support and women in unhappy relationships or ones with a history of domestic violence.

Currently, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score test has been an effective tool for screening depression in the postnatal period but it has proved useful for antenatal depression too.

You can take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score test here

A score of 10 or below is normal but anything from 13 points upwards suggests depression and you should seek advice and a professional diagnosis from your GP who will decide on an appropriate course of action.

Counselling is beneficial for most cases of postnatal and antenatal depression while others may be offered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Antidepressants will only be prescribed in the most severe cases as these present a risk to the baby during the antenatal period.

If left untreated, antenatal depression can lead to serious issues such as miscarriage, premature labour, neglect or suicide. However, properly treated and antenatal depression responds extremely well especially when detected early and continued up to the child’s first birthday.

Learn more about Counselling here
Learn more about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) here

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