What should you know about postnatal depression during pregnancy?

Although people often use postnatal depression to mean depression after birth, symptoms may start while pregnant. Ongoing sadness, emptiness, irritability, loss of interest, guilt, hopelessness, poor concentration, appetite changes or sleep problems deserve attention when they persist or affect daily life. Pregnancy discomfort and normal worries can coexist with depression, so you do not need to wait for the birth to ask for help. Low mood after birth may be part of the same ongoing pattern.

Tell your antenatal doctor, midwife or family doctor what you notice and ask for a mental health assessment. Perinatal mental health support can include therapy, practical assistance and medication discussions that take pregnancy, feeding plans and previous treatment into account. Identify people who can help with appointments, meals and rest. Plan who to contact if symptoms increase during labour recovery or after the baby comes home.

Get urgent help for thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or the baby, inability to stay safe, severe confusion, hallucinations, or beliefs detached from reality. Contact local emergency services or an emergency department and ask someone trusted to stay with you. Do not stop prescribed treatment abruptly; seek advice about safe changes.

Ask how symptoms will be monitored through birth, which treatments are suitable in pregnancy, how feeding plans affect medication choices, and what postpartum warning signs should trigger immediate contact.