Antenatal depression: 5 reasons why you feel low

No-one knows for sure what causes ante-natal depression. It could be a chemical or hormonal imbalance or it could be that some women are just more prone to it than others. If you've suffered depression in the past you are more likely to get it. However, there are other reasons too:

1. Your pregnancy was unplanned

Finding out you're pregnant can be devastating if it's not something you want or feel ready for. Maybe you think you're too young, or too old. Maybe you're single or newly divorced. Or maybe you think you just can't cope with another child. These are all understandable reasons to feel depressed. So don't beat yourself up about it. Confide in your GP.

Top tip Don't assume a termination is your only option. Ending a pregnancy is a massive decision and if you're feeling depressed it isn't guaranteed to make you feel any better.

2. You're feeling sick or ill

Morning sickness is very misunderstood. For a start, it doesn't just happen in the morning, it can continue for 24 hours a day and it can make you feel absolutely dreadful. But because it usually starts early in pregnancy (at around six weeks) many women feel they have to keep it a secret. Life can suddenly feel very lonely and miserable if you're coping with permanent nausea, sickness and tiredness but have no-one to confide in, and also feel under pressure to 'carry on' as normal. No wonder you feel down!

Top tip Break the 'rule' of secrecy and tell someone you trust what's happening - a workmate or a good friend. Knowing other people understand, can be an enormous help. If you think your sickness may be affecting your work, tell your boss too.

3. You're worried about having a miscarriage

If you've been trying to conceive for a long time or have had a miscarriage before, you may be terrified something will 'go wrong' again. This fear is completely understandable and the anxiety it causes can make you really depressed.

Top tip Tell your GP or hospital consultant how you feel. She will be able to help you separate real fears from imagined ones.

4. You're worried about the change to your life

Whether it's your first baby or your sixth, your life will still change dramatically once she's born. You're bound to feel anxious about this - everyone does. Giving up your job, having less money and less independence are big changes. So are the responsibilities that being a mum brings. But if the anxiety is taking over your life it's time to get help. Remember you can't know how you're going to feel about being a mum until it actually happens.

Top tip: Try to stay positive. You may be surprised how easy you find staying at home all day once you have that baby in your arms!

5. You're worried about the changes to your body

Not many of us can look like Demi Moore while pregnant. While some women laugh off the changes to their bodies, others are much more sensitive about them. Gaining weight and getting stretch marks can make some women feel very unattractive and miserable. If you've spent a lifetime 'being careful' about what you eat, or have suffered from an eating disorder, watching yourself getting bigger and 'losing control' can be traumatic.

Top tip: Confide in your midwife or health visitor if these sort of feelings are bothering you. You aren't being silly, just honest.

What else will help

1. Talking therapies can be very effective. Your GP can refer you.
2. You may also be prescribed an anti depressant which is safe to take during pregnancy.

For more information go to

www.depression-in-pregnancy.org.uk

By Kate Corr