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Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Adjusting to life as a parent can be difficult. In fact, for many, having a baby is the most significant life-changing event they will ever experience. Adjusting to this major life change, as well as coping with the day-to-day stress of a new baby, can make some parents more likely to experience depression at this time, particularly if they've experienced depression in the past.

Some women may experience depression during pregnancy and this is referred to as Antenatal Depression. It is less common than depression which is experienced after the birth of a baby. Postnatal depression (PND) is the name given to depression that a woman can experience in the months after the birth of her baby. Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 10 women giving birth in the U.K.

Adjustment to parenthood

For many, having a baby is the most significant physical, social and emotional upheaval they have ever experienced. The emotions people often describe following childbirth and the start of parenthood are:

  • Joy
  • Love
  • Surprise
  • Amazement
  • Expectation
  • Euphoria
  • Delight
  • Tenderness
  • Protectiveness
  • Achievement

However, because parenthood is a constant and demanding job some people's experiences are not like the media images of two happy parents with a clean, cuddly, well-fed, sleeping baby.

Dealing with changes in your lifestyle and everyday routines during pregnancy and later with your baby's health, behaviour patterns and temperament all require enormous physical stamina and emotional commitment.  It is not surprising that parents find it hard to cope at times.