What should you know about prenatal depression?

Someone may feel sad, empty, guilty, detached from pregnancy or unable to enjoy usual activities. Irritability, anxiety, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and difficulty sleeping can occur too. Pregnancy itself can change sleep and energy, so the key concerns are the persistence, intensity and effect on daily life. Prenatal depression is a medical condition, not a failure to feel grateful or ready. It can occur with depression before pregnancy or begin during it.

Tell your midwife, obstetric clinician, GP or mental health professional what you have noticed, including when it began and how it affects eating, sleep, work and relationships. Ask a trusted person to help with appointments and practical tasks. Treatment may include talking therapy, social support or medicine; the choice considers symptoms, pregnancy stage, previous response and personal preferences. Continue prescribed treatment unless the clinician caring for you advises a change.

Contact your maternity or primary-care team promptly when low mood, anxiety or loss of interest persists or makes self-care difficult. Seek emergency help now for thoughts of suicide or self-harm, thoughts of harming someone else, hallucinations, severe confusion, or feeling unable to stay safe. Do not remain alone while waiting for help.

Could these symptoms be prenatal depression? Which treatments are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? How will we monitor my wellbeing and the pregnancy? Who should I contact outside appointments if I worsen?