How to deal with post-natal depression
Postnatal depression is increasingly in the news as more and more women admit to feeling low after the birth of their baby.
Follow our advice on how to cope with the feelings of despair
Who's at risk?
Nowadays midwives are encouraged to look out for signs of postnatal depression and for risk factors that could make women more prone to it. Recently it's been recognised that around 12% of women will have depression while they're pregnant.
Although many people put it down to the change in hormones during pregnancy, we also know that certain women will be more prone to postnatal depression: for example when the pregnancy is unplanned, where there are relationship or financial problems, previous mental health problems, a history of abuse or a sense of 'loss', such as leaving work.
A substantial number of women at any one time will suffer from depression, so it's inevitable that this will also apply to pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a huge life change which can, for some women, cause a roller coaster of emotions which can lead to depression.
- Next: the symptoms to watch out for
More help and advice
- Get the full facts about postnatal depression
- What to do if you think you're suffering
- Tips on dealing with post natal depression
- Possible problems in your baby's first year
- Read one woman's admission that she resented her daughter
By Anne Richley, midwife
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