Postnatal depression - Preventing postnatal depression

To try to prevent postnatal depression, tell your GP about any previous depression you've had or if you have felt very low or anxious during your pregnancy.

Also, speak to your GP if you've had postnatal depression in the past and you're pregnant or if you're considering having another baby, as there can be a risk you'll develop postnatal depression again.

Keeping your GP informed will ensure they're aware of the possibility of postnatal depression developing after your baby is born. This will help prevent a delay in diagnosis and allow treatment to begin earlier. In the early stages, postnatal depression can be easy to miss.

It's difficult to estimate the exact risk of a woman developing postnatal depression because many factors are involved, including:

previous medical history
individual social and psychological circumstances
current relationships
complications during labour

Even if you have a high risk of developing postnatal depression, it can be avoided. Getting support from your GP, midwife and other healthcare professionals will help reduce your risk of developing postnatal depression.

The self-help measures listed below can also be useful.

Get as much rest and relaxation as possible.
Take regular gentle exercise.
Don't go for long periods without food because low blood sugar levels can make you feel much worse.
Don't drink alcohol because it can make you feel worse.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Don't try to do everything at once. Make a list of things to do and set realistic goals.
Talk about your worries with your partner, close family and friends.
Contact local support groups or national helplines for advice and support.
Don't try to be "Supermum". Avoid extra challenges either during pregnancy or in the first year after your baby is born. A new baby is enough of a challenge for most people.
Don't despair. Postnatal depression can affect anyone. You're not to blame.

Preventative treatment

If your risk of developing postnatal depression is thought to be particularly high, your GP or the doctor in charge of your care may recommend you start taking antidepressants as a precaution shortly or soon after giving birth.

Similarly, if you have a history of bipolar disorder or psychosis and you're at risk of developing puerapal psychosis (severe postnatal depression), you may be advised to start taking lithium shortly before or after the birth. Lithium has a mood-stabilising effect and can often help prevent psychosis reoccurring.

Blood: Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Depression: Depression is when you have feelings of extreme sadness, despair or inadequacy that last for a long time.