What causes Ante-Natal Depression?

The exact causes of ante-natal depression are hard to define - different factors could cause depression during pregnancy.  These may be:

 

a chemical or hormonal balance, greater than that usually experienced during pregnancy

already suffering from depression or are worrying about money, work or a relationship

fallen pregnant unexpectedly, the pregnancy may be unplanned or unwanted

an overwhelming fear of losing the baby for historical reasons (e.g. previous miscarriage/still birth or unable to fall pregnant)

 

Research in to depression during and after pregnancy was carried out my Dr Jonathan Evans, a senior lecturer at Bristol University in 2001.  His research was published in the British Medical Journal - a copy of this can be viewed on the BMJ website or by clicking on the link here (this is a .pdf file)

 

For a copy of my leaflet, please contact me.

To read my personal experience of ante-natal depression click here.

Read Professor Nicky Stanley's research and recommendations for healthcare professionals on Ante-Natal Depression

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