Mental wellbeing during pregnancy

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy

Depression and anxiety can occur at any time in your life and can often come to the surface with major events like pregnancy or having a baby.

Around 12% of pregnant women in Australia experience antenatal depression (depression during pregnancy). The risk is higher if you have been depressed in the past.

It is important to keep a check on how you are feeling emotionally and discuss any concerns with your health professional. Let someone know if you are:

  • feeling low, anxious or tense very often
  • feeling guilty
  • feeling that things are hopeless
  • not enjoying things you normally do
  • crying all the time
  • irritable
  • finding it hard to sleep, concentrate or make decisions
  • wanting to harm yourself.

Read more on perinatal anxiety or find a health professional at Beyondblue

In this guide:

  1. Depression and anxiety during pregnancy
  2. Mental wellbeing for partners
  3. Where to get help

Print entire guide