Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
By
Photograph courtesy of Marley Hall.
Untreated perinatal mental health issues are the leading cause of death to women in pregnancy and within the first year after birth.
Antenatal depression is a change in mood that is persistent and more severe than the average tearfulness that a woman may experience a few times throughout pregnancy. Signs include:
Unusual amount of worry about giving birth and parenthood.
Lack of energy and disturbed sleep.
Losing interest in yourself or your pregnancy.
Feeling emotionally detached, teary, angry or irritable.
Chronic anxiety.
Sense of hopelessness
You may not have all of these symptoms. But if any of these become concerning, speak with your doctor or midwife.