Symptoms of antenatal anxiety or depression can feel confusing and overwhelming.
You might be feeling surprised at the feelings and thoughts you’re having. It might also feel tricky to talk to anyone else about what you’re experiencing.
To deepen your own understanding and help you communicate your experience to other people, we’ve put together a guide to some of the factors that can contribute to changes in your mental health during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that many expecting parents can develop antenatal anxiety or depression even if they don’t have any risk factors. Changes to mental health and emotional wellbeing can happen to any new parent.
You may experience uncertainty and low mood during pregnancy because:
- You’re concerned you’ll experience postnatal depression or anxiety after your baby is born. This is common for pregnant women and their partners.
- You may have experienced a previous traumatic birth, miscarriage or stillbirth which can increase fears for your unborn baby’s health.
- You might be feeling worried or uncertain about your own physical health during pregnancy.
- You may have concerns about childbirth, including the labour and delivery process.
- You might feel guilt and/or shame about being unhappy, especially if others expect you to be overjoyed and excited about the pregnancy.
- Maybe you feel unsure and fearful about your new role as a parent.
- You may be experiencing changes in your relationship. For instance, you may feel your partner is less involved or interested in pregnancy care, or frustrated and sad that their life seems less impacted by lifestyle changes as your pregnancy progresses.
- You might worry that the timing is wrong, for financial reasons or concerns about delays in career or long-term goals.
“I felt sick quite early on during my pregnancy and was overcome with anxiety about the future. I would lie awake with anxiety and think, how am I going to cope with two children? I thought these feelings were normal for all mums and tried to ignore them, but it progressively got worse.”
“I struggled to accept going through IVF. It felt unnatural and clinical, and I grieved the decision not to fall pregnant naturally and experienced a long acceptance period. My pregnancy was accompanied by emotions of fear, and I was worried something would go wrong. Every scan, I would show up feeling nervous and scared.”
Helpful Information
Mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy
Factors that may contribute to antenatal anxiety and depression:
1
Family or personal history of anxiety or depression
2
Pregnancy complications
3
Fertility issues or previous pregnancy loss
4
Stressful life events
5
Relationship difficulties
6
Family violence and controlling behaviour
7
History of abuse and trauma
8
Difficult childhood experiences
9
Financial difficulties
10
Limited social support
Help is available
You may be able to relate to some or none of these contributing factors. It’s important to know that your feelings are valid, no matter what your experiences have been.
If you’re experiencing any of these concerns and it’s affecting your emotional or mental wellbeing, support is available. Talking to a healthcare provider about how you are feeling can provide some relief from antenatal anxiety and depression and start you on the path to recovery.
“Motherhood is often isolating and lonely. Taking the smallest of steps, to reach out and start talking. You won’t regret it.”
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PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.
Helpful Information