Some women might have a low mood or feel depressed during pregnancy. It is common to feel this way if you have a history of depression or anxiety. It is important to tell your midwife about this as they can refer you on to mental health supports. This means that you will get one to one support with a trained midwife who will be able to help you during and after your pregnancy.

These supports are confidential and will in no way affect your maternity care or after you leave the hospital.

Signs of antenatal depression. Some women:

• Feel sad or cry without knowing why
• Are anxious
• Are moody and irritated
• Can’t concentrate or sleep properly
• Don’t want to eat

It is normal to feel some of these things during your pregnancy but if these things are happening all the time you should talk to your GP or midwife as you might need a bit of support.

Baby blues are very common after giving birth to your baby. Some women might feel a bit down and out. This is normal and should go away after about 2 weeks.

If you don’t feel better after 2 weeks or so you can talk to your GP, Public Health Nurse or Traveller Community Health Worker.

Postnatal depression is common for women and can happen about 2-8 weeks after giving birth.

After having a baby some women might feel:

• Tired
• Anxious
• Moody
• Sad
• Like they can’t eat or might eat too much

You can get support from your maternity hospital up until 6 months after the baby is born. If you need further support, your GP can refer you on.