To try to prevent postnatal depression you should inform your GP about any previous depression you have had or if you have felt very low or anxious during your pregnancy.
Also speak to your GP if you have had postnatal depression in the past and are pregnant or considering having another baby, as there can be a risk you will develop postnatal depression again.
Keeping your GP informed will ensure they are aware of the possibility of postnatal depression after your baby is born. This helps prevent delay in diagnosis, and allows treatment to begin earlier. In the early stages, postnatal depression can be easy to miss.
It is difficult to estimate the exact risk of a women developing postnatal depression as 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 following self-help measures can also be useful:
- Get as much rest and relaxation as possible.
- Take regular gentle exercise.
- Do not go for long periods without food because low blood sugar levels can make you feel much worse.
- Do not drink too much alcohol because heavy drinking can make you feel worse.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Do not 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.
- Do not try to be ‘Super Mum’ - 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.
- Do not despair. Postnatal depression can affect anyone. You are not to blame.
Preventative treatment
If your risk of developing postnatal depression is thought especially 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 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.
