Symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy

If you’re worried about how you or your partner are feeling about your pregnancy here are some signs and symptoms you can look out for: 

• Panic attacks such as a racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking, or feeling physically ‘detached’ from your surroundings and family members. 
• Persistent and generalized worrying which is often focused on health concerns
• A very Obsessive or compulsive behavior
• Abrupt and sudden mood swings
• Feeling sad unusual breakdown or crying for no obvious reason
• Having little or no interest in things that brought joy to you earlier like time with friends, exercise, eating, or being with your partner 
• Being nervous or on edge
• Feeling tired all the day round
• Not being able to sleep at night
• Losing interest in physical contact, sex, or intimacy
• Fear of being alone with your baby, nightmares
• Intrusive thoughts of harming yourself or your baby growing in your body
• Brain fog  or finding it difficult to focus on things, concentrate or remember things
• Engaging in risk-taking behavior such as drug and alcohol abuse. 

Fathers may be more likely to experience symptoms such as frustration or irritability, increased anger and conflict with others, or increased alcohol and drug use by mental pressure. 

If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, it’s time to get some medical help. The sooner you see someone, the quicker you’ll start to feel better and heal. 

Remember It’s normal to experience worries

Being pregnant and becoming a parent:

Is an enormous change in your body

It Takes time to get used to things that are going on around you 

Pregnancy will Bring enormous differences, from work and social life to relationships and finances to you 

You might worry about:

• How you’ll cope with the things
• Whether you’ll be a good enough as a parent
• Labour and giving birth
• Feeling alone or unsupported
• Bonding with your baby
• It’s no wonder there’ll be times when you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster sometimes you are very happy others second your break into tears.

Remember, though, you’re not alone going through all this even Dads and partners can feel the same.

Where to get help for your mental health during and after pregnancy

If you feel anxious or overwhelmed all the time or if you think you need some external help, the good news is there are lots of people you can reach and talk to. Your GP, obstetrician, midwife, or Maternal and Child Health Nurse can advise you on everything about your treatments, physical condition mental support, and services that can help.