Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Depression and pregnancy

4-minute read

Pregnancy can be an emotional time — you might feel excited and elated one moment, and stressed and unsure the next. As your body goes through physical changes, it's common to experience ups and downs in your mood and feelings. However, if you have ongoing low mood that gets in the way of daily life, you may be developing antenatal depression.

What are the signs of antenatal depression?

The signs of depression during pregnancy are the same as at any other time in life. However, it can be harder to recognise the signs when you're pregnant because some of the challenges of becoming a parent (such as changing sleep patterns or a change in appetite) can overlap with depression.

Look for help if you've been experiencing several of the following for 2 weeks or more:

  • feeling low, numb or 'feeling nothing at all'
  • feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
  • feeling teary and emotional, angry or resentful towards others
  • experiencing unexpected changes in sleep or appetite
  • having lack of interest or lacking energy to do things
  • having thoughts of harming yourself, your baby or other children

While depression can affect any pregnant mum, it may be more likely if you've experienced difficult life events, have a history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or experienced pregnancy or childbirth-related trauma before. A previous history of depression or other mental health conditions (such as bipolar disorder or psychosis) may also put you at higher risk of antenatal depression.

If you develop depression during pregnancy, it's likely to persist for a while after your baby is born — so it's a good idea to get help now.

What's the difference between antenatal depression and other conditions?

You might hear the terms antenatal, postnatal and perinatal depression and wonder what the difference is between them. Antenatal depression refers to depression that starts during pregnancy, while postnatal depression develops between 1 month to a year after birth.

As depression can occur anytime around pregnancy, you may also hear the term perinatal depression used to describe depression that happens before, during or after pregnancy and childbirth.

Depression and anxiety in pregnancy

Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand; up to half of people experience symptoms of both at the same time. Women who experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy are also more likely to have postnatal depression.

It's common for pregnant women to worry about their baby's health, what the birth experience will be like, and many have concerns about weight gain or body shape. While as many as 3 out of 10 women experience some level of anxiety during pregnancy, some may have more severe symptoms that need extra support. Seek help if you experience the following:

  • stress or feeling on edge much of the time
  • muscle tension
  • difficulty staying calm
  • recurring worrying thoughts
  • feelings of panic or helplessness

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a simple checklist that asks about your mental health. It can indicate whether you’re experiencing symptoms that are common with depression and anxiety, and help you recognise when you need to seek support.

Find out more about the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale from Beyond Blue.

Treating pregnancy depression

Remember that antenatal depression is temporary and treatable. If you're experiencing mild to moderate depression, emotional and practical support from loved ones can help you manage.

If you need further help, there are effective psychological and/or medical treatments available.

Two types of psychological therapy have been proven to be very effective in managing depression:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you to identify negative thoughts about pregnancy and being a parent, and to challenge them to learn how you can approach your thinking in a different way.
  • Interpersonal therapy helps you to resolve past losses, changes or conflicts that may be contributing to antenatal depression.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest antidepressants. These are medicines that help manage symptoms of perinatal depression so you can put more energy and thought into recovery and getting back to yourself. Two common types of antidepressants that are used in pregnancy are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine (prescribed or over-the-counter) while you are pregnant or breastfeeding and ask if they are safe for you and your baby.

Help and support

If you or someone you know is showing signs of perinatal depression, contact any of the following organisations for help:

Need to talk to someone?

The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby helpline offers free non-judgmental emotional support during pregnancy and parenting for when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Call us on 1800 882 436 or video call 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

What Is Perinatal Depression And Anxiety?

What Is Perinatal Depression And Anxiety? CLINICAL DEFINITION OF PERINATAL DEPRESSION Pregnancy and the first year of parenthood (the perinatal period) is a unique time and involves major changes in a person’s life

Read more on Gidget Foundation Australia website

Depression and Anxiety during Pregnancy and following Birth

It is widely thought that having a baby should be one of the happiest times of your life. However depression and anxiety are common for women during pregnancy and the first year of their child’s life, with as many as one in five women affected.

Read more on RANZCOG - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website

Antenatal depression, depression in pregnancy

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

Antenatal & postnatal depression: women | Raising Children Network

Antenatal depression and postnatal depression are more than pregnancy ups and downs or baby blues. If you have symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek help.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Depression | Peach Tree

Depression Antenatal and postnatal depression are common conditions

Read more on Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness website

Anxiety & Depression in Pregnancy & Early Parenthood

If you are reading this, you may have concerns about your thoughts, feelings or behaviours, or those of your partner or someone close to you who is pregnant or recently had a baby.

Read more on Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) website

Antenatal & postnatal depression in men | Raising Children Network

Men can get antenatal depression and postnatal depression. If you’re a man with symptoms of antenatal depression or PND, don’t ignore them – seek help.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Anxiety and Depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

Online Treatments - MumSpace

Online Treatments for Pregnant Women and Mums with Antenatal Depression, Postnatal Depression and Anxiety. REGISTER NOW AND GET STARTED.

Read more on MumSpace website

Mental health conditions in pregnancy - COPE

COPE's purpose is to prevent and improve the quality of life of those living with emotional and mental health problems that occur prior to and within the perinatal period.

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.