{"id":585,"date":"2021-02-15T16:33:24","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T16:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/134.122.102.56\/SAND\/uk\/?post_type=professionals&p=585"},"modified":"2023-03-08T14:31:14","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T14:31:14","slug":"perinatal-depression","status":"publish","type":"professionals","link":"https:\/\/path-perinatal.eu\/uk\/professionals\/perinatal-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Perinatal depression"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pregnancy and postnatal period are well established as an increased time of risk for the development of serious mood disorders. Postpartum non-psychotic depression is the most common complication of childbearing affecting approximately 10-15% of women and as such represents a considerable public health problem affecting women and their families.1<\/sup><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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The effects of antenatal and postnatal depression on the mother, her close family members and her children make it an important condition to diagnose, treat and prevent. Untreated depression can have adverse long-term effects. For the mother, the episode can be the precursor of chronic recurrent depression. For her children, a mother\u2019s ongoing depression can contribute to emotional, behavioural, cognitive and interpersonal problems in later life.2<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Antenatal depression<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Depression can occur during pregnancy and it is less commonly known in comparison to postnatal depression. Some people may experience depression during pregnancy which continues into the postnatal period.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Some of the risk factors for antenatal depression include past psychiatric history of depression or other mental health problems, stressful life events, lack of social support and domestic violence.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For signs and symptoms of antenatal depression, see section on \u2018common signs and symptoms of perinatal depression\u2019.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Baby blues<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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During the first week after childbirth, many mothers can experience baby blues, characterised by lowering of mood, tearfulness and feeling emotional. Baby blues is the most common puerperal mood disturbance with prevalence rates ranging between 30-75%.3<\/sup><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Baby blues are a normal occurrence following birth and occur due to a sudden drop in hormone (oestrogen) and chemical levels after birth. The mother should be reassured and advised that the symptoms will pass within a few days. They could be advised to speak to their midwife or health visitor for extra support during this time.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the event it doesn\u2019t pass and lasts for 14 days or more, further physical investigations may be required to check for any underlying treatable health issues such as anaemia or thyroid disease.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If the above symptoms do not improve, consideration should be given to the mother\u2019s mental health. Baby blues can be a risk factor for postnatal depression.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Postnatal depression<\/strong><\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Between 10-20% of women can have depression and anxiety<\/span><\/a> during pregnancy and the first year after birth.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The common signs and symptoms of perinatal depression include:<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n