During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be both an exciting and challenging time for expecting parents.

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    Everyone's experience of pregnancy is different. Just as there are physical changes, there are also common emotional changes associated with each trimester, such as mood swings, anxiety and excitement.

    It is normal to experience a degree of anxiety and ‘ups and downs’ when expecting a baby. However, some people develop a more pronounced anxiety or lowered mood which can affect their daily life and functioning. When this occurs during pregnancy it is known as antenatal anxiety or antenatal depression.

Antenatal anxiety and depression

One in five expecting mothers experience antenatal anxiety or depression. Fathers can also experience these illnesses, with one in twenty expecting dads experiencing antenatal depression and many more experiencing anxiety. Many expecting parents can experience both anxiety and depression. Antenatal anxiety and depression is a serious illness but there are treatments, support and services available to help you through this experience. It is important to know the signs and symptoms and seek help early.

'I found myself quickly all consumed by doubt and fear all the time, inhibiting my ability to truly enjoy my pregnancy. I was always worried that something was wrong.'
Symptoms of antenatal anxiety and depression

Antenatal anxiety and depression is treatable

It’s important to remember that antenatal anxiety and depression is temporary and treatable. The important thing to do is seek help as early as possible. However, if you are concerned that you or someone in the family is at risk of suicide or being harmed it’s vital that you seek immediate help by contacting either a GP or your nearest hospital’s emergency department. You can also contact PANDA for advice and support. If you believe that someone’s life is at immediate risk, then call 000. If other symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s time to seek support. Otherwise things can get worse and it might take longer to recover.

'I continued to see my psychologist and psychiatrist. Each day things became a little better. Eventually I had more good days than bad. And now the bad are few and far between.'
Women share their experiences
Getting help

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