Mental health during pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you may suffer from low mood, depression, and anxiety in pregnancy or immediately after your pēpi (baby) is born. This is common even if you have not had problems with your mental health before.
During your pregnancy
Being pregnant might be the first time you experience mental illness. For others, a mental illness that was previously stable might come back during pregnancy or after your pēpi is born.
If you have had depression or anxiety, talk to your midwife or doctor as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you have been prescribed medication do not stop taking your medication without talking to them first.
During your pregnancy, you will be asked by your midwife or doctor if you have ever had problems with your mental health in the past and about your current emotional wellbeing. You can talk to your midwife or doctor any time you are worried about your mental health. They can talk to you about treatment options.
If you are suffering from depression or anxiety
If you have suffered from depression or anxiety in the past or are suffering, talk to your lead maternity carer or your healthcare provider as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you have been prescribed medication do not stop taking your medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.
Your partner
Your partner's mental health can also be affected during pregnancy and the first year after birth. If your partner is is experiencing problems with their mental health, ask them to talk to their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
You can also find out more about depression and get support from: