Mums-to-be experiencing mental health problems need to talk to their midwife or GP so that they are put in touch with the appropriate services or support groups.
Depression and anxiety affect as many as 10-15% of all pregnant women and in serious cases can affect the growth and development of the baby.
Recognise the signs and find out how you can get help.
Take the Tommy’s well-being test
If you're feeling low, or overwhelmed by the whole experience of pregnancy, then you're not alone. Postnatal depression may be better-known, but more women suffer from anxiety, depressive symptoms or stress during pregnancy than do so after giving birth.
Mental health problems in pregnant women are often left unrecognised and untreated. This matters for a woman, but also potentially for her baby. While the vast majority is not affected, a child's risk of emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties is slightly higher if a mother has suffered from severe stress, anxiety or depression in pregnancy.
Well-being test
- During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
- During the past month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
- Have you ever been under a psychiatrist for mental healthcare?
If you have answered ‘Yes’ to ANY of the above talk to your midwife or GP about getting any additional support you may need.
Top tips for looking after your mental health
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Stop smoking, ask your midwife or GP about "stop smoking" services.
- Find some time each week to do something which you enjoy, improves your mood or helps you to relax.
- Let family and friends help you with housework, shopping etc.
- Exercise (ask your midwife about exercise in pregnancy and local exercise classes and see point 3 of the Tommy’s pregnancy plan)
- Discuss any worries you may have with your family, your midwife or GP.
- Get regular sleep
Getting help from your doctor
If the problem seems more serious then it is important to see your GP and ask for expert help. Mental health problems are treatable, and most treatments don't involve medication, particularly during pregnancy.
The risks and benefits of taking antidepressant medication or other medications during pregnancy are best discussed with an informed health professional such as a GP, or a psychiatrist who specialises in dealing with pregnant women and new mothers.
Make sure your doctor understands what the problem is, so that they can help you get the most appropriate help. For example if your relationship with your partner is causing you stress, then the help should be directed at this. If the problem is more generalised anxiety, or depression, then professional counselling may help.
Visit Tommy’s web-site to find out more about:
- How your mental health can affect your baby
- Signs of depression
For more expert information visit http://www.tommys.org, call the Tommy’s PregnancyLine to speak to a midwife or email info@tommys.org
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