Symptoms of Ante Natal Depression

A study carried out by Dr Jonathan Evans, a senior lecturer at Bristol University in 2001*, established that approximately 10% of women are likely to experience depression during pregnancy (ante-natal depression). * study by Dr Jonathan Evans, senior lecturer from Bristol University, 2001 (this is a .pdf file)

Until recently, ante-natal depression was not widely recognised.  However, research recently published by Professor Nicky Stanley, clearly acknowledges that more needs to be done to raise awareness of this illness, within the healthcare profession.  Click here to read Professor Stanley's research.  Any queries about this study should be addressed to Nicky Stanley, Professor of Social Work, University of Central Lancashire, email Professor Stanley here.

Some symptoms of ante-natal depression may be:

● Tired but unable to sleep (for example, due to mind over-active/worrying);

● No appetite or overeating for the sake of it;

● Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces);

● Crying, more than is usually experienced or expected during pregnancy;

● Feeling isolated and lonely;

● Chronic anxiety/stress

● Irritability and irrational behaviour/thoughts and/or paranoia;

● Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive behaviour (e.g. repeatedly washing hands or picking scabs)

● Lack of interest in anything

These symptoms can differ from post-natal depression, which can include:

● Anxiety/tension

● persistently low mood

● obsessional and inappropriate thoughts

● inability to enjoy anything

● inability to concentrate e.g. read a book

It is important to remember that any kind of depression is an illness - people don't consciously choose to suffer from it any more than they would choose to have any other kind of illness.  It is also important to acknowledge from Dr Evans' study that post-natal depression doesn't necessarily follow ante-natal depression - no clear evidence has been provided to link the two.

For more information, take a look at the professional help pages or see related news articles.

Read my personal experience of ante-natal depression in my story (.pdf file)

For a copy of my leaflet, please email me.

Read Dr Jonathan Evans' study (Bristol University, 2001) .pdf file

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

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