Positively Pregnant

Positive steps forward for those affected by stress, depression and anxiety in pregnancy
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Ante-natal Depression:
Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy
 

 
 
 
Depression in pregnancy is an illness which is thought to affect approximately 1 in 10 pregnant women.  This website was created following a personal journey through ante-natal depression and is carried forward from the original website (previously depression-in-pregnancy.org.uk) set up by Delphi Ellis in 2004. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Positively Pregnant aims to provide you with information that can help you find your way through depression, stress or anxiety in pregnancy, for anyone affected by it, particularly if you recognise some of the symptoms mentioned here either in yourself or someone you know.  For some useful tips on managing your stress and anxiety in pregnancy visit the Baby Steps page.  You can also share your experience through our online forum.  
 
Delphi now offers counselling, life coaching and training on a variety of topics including pregnancy, bereavement and anxiety.  For more information about an appointment at her private practice in Milton Keynes, or media enquiries call: 07833 958432 or click here.  Telephone appointments are available via the Greatvine service and you can also visit her business website Dream Wellbeing to find out about other treatments and services available.  
 
For the purposes of this website the terms depression and anxiety are sometimes used interchangeably.  If you feel you can relate to some of the symptoms detailed here, speak with your GP and midwife in the first instance about positive ways forward from 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

 

Live in or around Milton Keynes?

Dream Wellbeing offers Dream Analysis, Reiki and one to one counselling/coaching sessions, specialising in pregnancy stress and anxiety.  Reflexology and other treatments also available.  For more information about Dream Wellbeing click here.