Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How are pregnancy and mental health related?

Pregnancy can be a time of great change. While it can be joyful and very exciting, it can also place extra stress on both women and men, which can lead to an increased risk of mental health problems. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can be more common during pregnancy and early parenthood. Around 9% of women are affected by depression during pregnancy.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of mental health problems in pregnancy?

The physical and hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy can make it difficult to recognize signs and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Some symptoms that may be experienced include: anger and irritability; low mood, …

What factors increase the risk of mental health problems during pregnancy?

Anyone can experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. Usually there is no one cause, but a range of contributing factors: having a history of mental health problems prior to pregnancy; having a family …

Who gets depression relating to pregnancy?

Around one of every ten women experience persistent symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

What is prenatal depression?

Prenatal depression is depression experienced during pregnancy. It is also known as antenatal depression.

What are the baby blues?

The 'baby blues' is a term for symptoms that can occur in many women in the week after birth. They can include rapid changes in mood, crying, anxiety and sleep problems. The exact cause of the baby blues is not clear, but they are thought to be linked to rapid …

What is postnatal depression?

Postpartum or postnatal depression can also occur after birth, but involves symptoms of depression that are more severe and can last much longer than the baby blues. The symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to those during pregnancy and: can be serious …

What is postnatal psychosis?

Sometimes also known as puerperal psychosis or postpartum psychosis, this is a rare mental health condition that usually develops within a couple of weeks of childbirth, although it can occur up to 12 weeks after childbirth. Sometimes early symptoms may occur …

Is pregnancy-related depression serious?

Prenatal and postnatal depression can be very serious. In some cases they may increase the risk of self-harm or suicide and, after the baby is born, harm to the baby.

What are the side effects of taking medications for depression relating to pregnancy?

While medications, such as antidepressants, can be effective in reducing symptoms of both depression and anxiety, they may also have a negative effect on the baby's development and the mother's …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that is characterised by extreme mood swings, which range from feeling high to feeling very low and helpless. It is a condition that will require ongoing treatment. However, with support and medications, it is possible to live a fulfilling and normal life.…
Diseases & conditions

Pre-pregnancy check-up

Pre-pregnancy check-ups can improve pregnancy outcomes by identifying risk factors that may cause complications and providing options to avoid such occurrences. Consulting with your doctor on lifestyle factors – such as diet, alcohol and smoking – and making some changes may result in better outcomes.…
Diseases & conditions

A guide through normal pregnancy

The average pregnancy is counted as 40 weeks, starting from the first day of the mother’s last period. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, with different stages in each. The development of a pregnancy can be followed week by week, but it’s important to remember the experience varies for every mother and baby.…
Diseases & conditions

Diet and pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need to make sure both you and your baby get all the nutrients you need. Not only does your baby need a range of nutrients for their development, there is increasing evidence that what you eat during pregnancy can affect your baby's health throughout their lives.…
Diseases & conditions

Depression

Depression is a condition that causes a person to feel sad or miserable most of the time. It is a common condition that affects physical and mental health and can interfere with a person's ability to carry out daily activities. There is a range of treatments and support services available to help people recover.…
Diseases & conditions

Fertility

Fertility is the ability to have a baby. This requires sperm from a man to fertilise an egg from a woman. Follow the numerous stages in this journey of the sperm to reach the egg.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 27 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 1168 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Bipolar disorder

×

Content goes in here.