Pregnancy brings a whole host of emotions, utter joy, emotional outbursts of tears, anger - which is all completley normal; pregnancy is an emotional time!

But for some women, those standard pregnancy symptoms can be something more. Most of us have heard about postnatal depression but for 12% of women they can experience antenatal depression(some times called perinatal depression), and some women may experience both. Women have reported finding it hard to talk about their mental health during pregnancy as its supposed to be a time of joy.

Antenatal depression can happen at any point during pregnancy. Look out for:

• 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.

• No interest in sex.

• Poor concentration.

• Sense of hopelessness about the future.

• Thoughts of suicide.

Bear in mind you you may not feel all these symptoms and some of them are completely normal during pregnancy eg, loss of sex drive.

There can be many reasons for antenatal depression, whilst pregnant ladies do have a surge of hormones its unlikely that is the main cause.

Other things that may play a part are:

• previous miscarriages or difficult birth experiences.

• history of depression.

• isolation, poor support, stressful living conditions or major life events.

• unplanned pregnancy.

• difficult childhood experiences and poor self-esteem.

• struggling with a pressure to ‘do things right’.

If you’re feeling worried or experiencing any of these symptoms speak to your midwife or GP as soon as possible and they will be able to help you.

Where possible, ask for and accept help from those around you. Practical and emotional support from family, friends and community can be vital in helping you to cope.

The PANDAS foundation offers information and support for people experiencing antenatal and postnatal depression.