Typically up to one in seven new mothers experience depression after the birth of their child. More recent research shows that many women also suffer huge emotional lows even before their baby is born. Current estimates are that as many as one in 10 expectant mothers may suffer ‘antenatal depression’.

Experts say the problem may be triggered by current pressures to copy celebrity mums and the stress of combining busy working lives with pregnancy. As more women are working through to the late stages of pregnancy it can also be harder for them to cope with the physical limitations or sickness that pregnancy involves, and they may find it harder to deal with the lack of control they have.

Further triggers for antenatal depression may include the increasing trend for women to live some distance from their relatives and the number of tests that expectant mothers now undergo, which can turn pregnancy into a stressful wait for results instead of a happy period of expectancy. Health experts urge women to seek reassurance from their midwife if they are worried about any aspect of their pregnancy. Those who are depressed should also seek medical advice as they could be helped by counseling or support groups.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 17 Oct 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.