Ante-natal Depression:
Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy
Our vision Positively Pregnant aims to provide a professional information and support service for those affected by ante-natal depression, stress and anxiety in pregnancy. Therapeutic services and treatments also available.
Feeling anything but positive about your pregnancy or feeling stressed, low or anxious? Depression in pregnancy, sometimes known as ante-natal depression, is an illness which is thought to affect approximately 1 in 10 pregnant women.
Positively Pregnant (formerly depression-in-pregnancy.org.uk) was set up by Delphi Ellis in 2004 to offer a unique service for those affected by ante-natal depression, stress and anxiety in pregnancy. Now based in Milton Keynes you can book an appointment for a face-to-face therapeutic service (counselling and/or coaching) or relaxing treatment (Reiki and Reflexology), just call (01908) 397662. Telephone support is also available nationwide. See our contact information for details.
Delphi Ellis (Dip. Couns.) Founder of Positively Pregnant
"I think I may have ante-natal depression. What do I do now?"
If you feel you can relate to some of the symptoms or causes detailed below, speak with your doctor/GP and midwife in the first instance about positive ways forward from here. They may signpost you to local services which can offer help and support or talk through other options like counselling and/or medication suitable for pregnancy. For more frequently asked questions click here.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ante-natal depression and anxiety vary from person to person. Everyone is different but symptoms can include:
* Tired but unable to sleep (for example, due to mind over-active/worrying)
* No appetite or alternatively over/comfort eating
* Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)
* Crying more than is usually experienced or expected in pregnancy
* Feeling isolated & lonely
* Chronic anxiety and stress
* Irritability and irrational behaviour/thoughts and/or paranoia
* Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive behaviour (e.g. repeatedly washing hands or picking scabs)
* Lack of interest in anything or a preoccupation with the pregnancy
Causes
The exact causes of ante-natal depression are hard to define - different factors could cause depression during pregnancy. These could be:
* a chemical or hormonal imbalance greater than usually experienced during pregnancy
* already suffering from depression or worrying about work, money or a relationship
* fallen pregnant unexpectedly, the pregnancy may be unplanned or unwanted
* an overwhelming fear of losing the baby, perhaps due to a previous miscarriage or stillbirth
* feeling out of control of your body, e.g. gaining weight
For the purposes of this website the terms depression and anxiety are sometimes used interchangeably and should not be used to form a diagnosis.
If you are experiencing a crisis you can also call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit the Samaritans website. If you are worried about a friend or family member you can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.