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Antenatal and Postnatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA)

Antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (also known as Perinatal Depression and Anxiety or PNDA) impacts up to 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers or non-birthing partners. Despite this we know that a lot of parents still struggle to talk about how they “really feel”.

Perinatal: Services

Carla is passionate about providing psychological support throughout the perinatal period because she understands how difficult it can be. â€‹Often a number of symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression or anxiety (PNDA) are dismissed, as they may overlap with common physiological symptoms of pregnancy and the postnatal period such as difficulty sleeping, tiredness, nausea and appetite changes. â€‹It's important that we also recognise that dads and non-birthing partners can also experience PNDA as all parents are experiencing significant transitions and changes during this time.

Common signs of antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) include:

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  • Tearfulness and depressed mood

  • Loss of motivation

  • Excessive worry, anxiety or obsessive traits

  • Panic attacks

  • Intrusive thoughts

  • Lack of energy

  • Difficulty sleeping not related to baby

  • Feelings of guilt

  • Worries about bonding with baby

  • Negative self-talk

  • Difficulty getting organised

  • Avoiding social contact

  • Loss of interest in sex

Newborn Baby

Some parents experience all of these antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) symptoms, and others may only experience a few. If antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety symptoms (PNDA) are experienced consistently over a few weeks, it may be helpful to seek some additional help and psychological support with a perinatal psychologist, your GP or someone in your support network.

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