Antenatal depression

Who is at risk?

Those who have unplanned pregnancies might feel unhappy about their situation. If you feel lonely and unsupported during your pregnancy, you are at risk of becoming depressed.

Relationship and financial problems will all add to your emotional load. If motherhood made your own mother depressed, you may have very ambivalent feelings about becoming a mother yourself. If you feel that you have to make a lot of sacrifices for your child, like giving up a career you love, then there is bound to be some sadness.

Research shows that women who have a previous history of mental health problems are more likely to suffer from antenatal depression. Antenatal depression also makes you more at risk of post-natal depression - 23 per cent of those who have post-natal depression first become depressed during pregnancy.

How does it affect the baby?

The possible adverse affects of post-natal depression on a baby are well documented, and can include neglect and emotional and behavioural problems.

It is less clear what impact depression before delivery day might have on a growing foetus, if any. One study has shown that distress in late pregnancy may be associated with preterm delivery. Psychiatrists have noted that stress and anxiety felt by a mother do have an impact on an unborn baby's heart rate patterns. There is however not enough research to know whether there are any significant consequences for the growing child.

'I don't think people should feel worried about the impact it might have on the baby, as this could only make their depression worse', reassures Heather Welford. 'I haven't come across any research which shows there's going to be an effect'.