"IT'S JUST YOUR HORMONES"

"IT'S JUST YOUR HORMONES"

That's what many women will hear throughtout their pregnancy when they are feeling down. Although pregnancy hormones can affect your mood at times, sometimes it can go deeper than that. . Antenatal depression is a change in mood that is persistent and more severe than the average tearfullness that a woman may experience a handful of times throughout pregnancy. Signs include:

Unusual amount of worry about giving birth and parenthood. Lack of energy and disturbed sleep. Losing interest in yourself or your pregnancy. Feeling emotionally detached, teary, angry or irritable. Chronic anxiety. Poor concentration. Sense of hopelessness about the future

You may not have all of these symptoms but if any of these become concerning, you should speak with your doctor or midwife. There are risk factors for antenatal depression such as history or depression, previous miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss, previous traumatic birth, social factors such as isolation, dosmetic abuse, poverty, difficult childhood issues and low self esteem.

Women who suffer antenatal depression are more likely to suffer postpartum depression too so it's important you share any concerns with someone so that help can be put in place. . . . . . . . #depression #ppd #antenataldepression #support #pregnancysupport #midwife #perinatalmentalhealth