Depression in Pregnancy, Ante Natal Depression, Pregnancy Stress, Pregnancy Anxiety

A warm welcome

A service provided by Karma Living

Feeling "Blooming Awful?"

Being low during pregnancy can be unexpected, particularly at a time when society expects you to be 'blooming'. If you've found yourself on this website because you are (or someone you know is) experiencing the symptoms described on this page, you'll realise through this website that you're not alone.

Ante-natal or pre-natal depression is thought to affect at least 1 in 10 pregnant women. Established in 2004 this site now helps people from all over the world and includes a FREE guide to ante-natal depression (downloadable as a .pdf document).

You may be feeling anything but positive about your pregnancy right now but this site has been designed specifically to provide you with useful information and resources which can help in a positive way.

You can download a Guide to Ante-natal depression here for FREE.

For details of the Three Steps to Karma Living mentioned in this video and how to buy click here.

What people say about this website:

"I remain very thankful to this service for giving me hope and an explanation for my fears and supporting me so well where no other support was available". Helen

Read Helen's story

"Positively Pregnant offered invaluable information and support" Sarah.

Read Sarah's story

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Advice Line: 0905 620 1562*

* Calls to advice line cost £1/minute

from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. Subject to availability.

Admin or PR/Media enquiries:

Call: 07833 958432

Please note there is a charge for the Positively Pregnant advice line. However, here you will receive professional, specialist, non judgemental advice from Delphi, a fully qualified and trained professional who specialises in stress management. Cheaper alternatives are available - just use the contact form.

If you are experiencing a crisis you can also call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit the Samaritans website. If you are worried about a friend or family member you can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Causes

The exact causes of ante-natal depression are hard to define - different factors could cause depression during pregnancy. These could be:

* a chemical or hormonal imbalance greater than usually experienced during pregnancy

* already suffering from depression or worrying about work, money or a relationship

* fallen pregnant unexpectedly, the pregnancy may be unplanned or unwanted

* an overwhelming fear of losing the baby, perhaps due to a previous miscarriage or stillbirth

* feeling out of control of your body, e.g. gaining weight

For the purposes of this website the terms stress, depression and anxiety are sometimes used interchangeably and should not be used to form a diagnosis.

Symptoms

Please remember symptoms vary from person to person; everyone is different - speak to your doctor or midwife if you recognise the symptoms below.

* Tired but unable to sleep (for example, due to mind over-active/worrying)

* No appetite or alternatively over/comfort eating

* Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)

* Crying more than is usually experienced or expected in pregnancy

* Feeling isolated & lonely

* Chronic anxiety and stress

* Irritability and irrational behaviour/thoughts and/or paranoia

* Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive behaviour (e.g. repeatedly washing hands or picking scabs)

* Lack of interest in anything or a preoccupation with the pregnancy

All stories appear with kind permission of the author

Advice Line: 0905 620 1562*

Admin or PR/media enquiries: 07833 958432

For better mental health in Pregnancy

Positively Pregnant is a service designed for those affected by ante-natal or pre-natal depression: stress, depression and anxiety in pregnancy.