Supporting Mums-to-Be: How Partners and Families Can Help with Antenatal Depression

Antenatal depression, or depression during pregnancy, affects many expectant mothers and can create challenges for both their physical and emotional well-being. While antenatal depression can be difficult to manage, support from partners, family members, and friends can make a significant difference in helping mothers-to-be cope. By understanding the condition, recognising symptoms, and offering empathetic support, loved ones can play a crucial role in managing antenatal depression.

In this article, we’ll explore how partners and families can help support expectant mothers facing antenatal depression, providing both practical tips and emotional insights.

What Is Antenatal Depression?

Antenatal depression is a form of clinical depression that occurs during pregnancy. It’s characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue, which can affect a mother’s ability to enjoy her pregnancy and prepare for her new role. Untreated antenatal depression can have consequences for both mother and baby, increasing the risk of complications and affecting bonding after birth.

Why Family Support Is Essential

While medical support is essential for managing antenatal depression, family and social support are equally crucial. When partners, family members, and friends understand and actively contribute to a supportive environment, expectant mothers can feel more empowered to seek treatment and manage symptoms effectively.

Recognising the Signs of Antenatal Depression

Family members and partners who recognise the symptoms of antenatal depression can provide timely and appropriate support. Symptoms to watch for include:

Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: If a mother-to-be seems constantly sad or expresses feelings of hopelessness, this may indicate antenatal depression.

Excessive Worry or Anxiety: Continuous worry, particularly about pregnancy, the baby, or the future, can be a sign.

Changes in Sleep and Appetite: Difficulty sleeping, excessive sleep, or a noticeable change in appetite beyond typical pregnancy fluctuations.

Loss of Interest in Activities: If she’s losing interest in hobbies or activities she once enjoyed, this could signal depression.

Physical and Emotional Fatigue: Feeling overwhelmingly tired without relief, even with rest.

Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Trouble focusing or making decisions may be a red flag.

When loved ones notice these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to encourage the mother-to-be to speak with a healthcare provider.

Ways Partners and Families Can Help

Supporting a loved one through antenatal depression involves empathy, practical assistance, and emotional reinforcement. Here are ways to help:

1. Encourage Open Communication

One of the most important things partners and families can do is to create a safe space for open communication. Allowing expectant mothers to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment can relieve emotional pressure and strengthen relationships.

Listen Actively: Be present and truly listen when she wants to share her feelings. Avoid interrupting or offering solutions immediately; often, listening is enough.

Validate Her Feelings: Let her know it’s okay to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. Validating her experience helps her feel understood and supported.

2. Educate Yourself About Antenatal Depression

Learning about antenatal depression can help family members understand what their loved one is experiencing and offer informed support.

Research Symptoms and Causes: Understanding the causes and symptoms can help you recognise when she needs extra help.

Attend Antenatal Appointments Together: Joining her at antenatal appointments can provide insight into her health and pregnancy journey. It also allows you to hear about treatment options and support strategies directly from healthcare providers.

3. Offer Practical Help

Daily tasks can feel overwhelming for someone experiencing antenatal depression. Offering practical assistance with routine activities can ease her load and allow her to focus on self-care.

Assist with Household Chores: Help with cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping to reduce her stress.

Encourage Healthy Habits: Prepare nutritious meals or take her for a walk. Antenatal vitamins and a balanced diet can support both mental and physical health.

Be Available for Appointments: Offer to accompany her to antenatal checkups or other health appointments. Your presence can provide reassurance and make her feel supported.

4. Encourage Professional Support

While family support is vital, professional help is often necessary for managing antenatal depression. Gently encourage her to speak with a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.

Discuss Therapy Options Together: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective treatments for antenatal depression. Encourage her to explore these options with her provider.

Medication Options: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend medication. Discussing the benefits and potential side effects with a doctor can help her make an informed decision.

5. Help Build a Support Network

Encouraging her to build a support network can reduce feelings of isolation and provide additional avenues for emotional support.

Encourage Social Connections: Reaching out to friends and family members can provide additional emotional support.

Join a Support Group: Many communities offer support groups for expectant mothers facing antenatal depression. Participating in these groups, or joining antenatal classes together, can provide comfort and reassurance.

Consider Antenatal Education Classes Together: Some antenatal education classes include mental health support, teaching stress management and coping skills that benefit expectant mothers and their partners.

6. Practise Self-Care and Mindfulness Together

Encouraging self-care and mindfulness techniques can support emotional well-being. Joining her in these activities shows solidarity and strengthens your bond.

Exercise Together: Gentle exercises, such as prenatal yoga, can release endorphins and reduce stress. Exercise is also a positive way to spend time together.

Relaxation Practices: Practise relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help reduce anxiety.

Encourage Routine Self-Care: Help her establish a self-care routine that includes activities she enjoys and finds calming.

Practical Tips for Providing Emotional Support

In addition to practical help, emotional support is crucial. Simple gestures of kindness and empathy can make a significant impact on a loved one experiencing antenatal depression.

Validate Her Experience

Express empathy by acknowledging her feelings and reassuring her that she’s not alone. Statements like “I understand that this is hard for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way” can make her feel seen and heard.

Be Patient and Understanding

Antenatal depression can lead to mood swings and emotional outbursts. Approach her with patience and understanding, knowing that her mood changes are part of the condition.

Avoid Minimising Her Feelings

It’s essential to avoid phrases that might unintentionally minimise her experience, such as “You should be happy” or “This is a normal part of pregnancy.” Instead, offer compassionate support and remind her that it’s okay to seek help.

Encourage Small Steps

Setting small, achievable goals can help her feel a sense of accomplishment. Encourage activities that she enjoys or finds relaxing, even if it’s something simple like reading a book, going for a short walk, or spending time outdoors.

Breaking the Stigma Around Antenatal Depression

A major barrier to seeking help for antenatal depression is the stigma surrounding mental health during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers feel ashamed or guilty for experiencing depression when society often emphasises the joy of pregnancy. As a partner or family member, breaking the silence on this topic can create a supportive environment for her to seek help.

Normalise Conversations About Mental Health

Encourage open dialogue about mental health within your family and community. By discussing the realities of pregnancy and the challenges it can bring, you help reduce stigma and create an environment where your loved one feels safe seeking help.

Offer Continuous Support Beyond Pregnancy

Women who experience antenatal depression are at an increased risk of postpartum depression. Continuing to provide emotional and practical support after the baby’s birth can ensure she feels supported in her transition to motherhood.

Antenatal depression is a serious condition that requires understanding, empathy, and support. Family members and partners can play a transformative role in helping expectant mothers navigate antenatal depression by recognising the symptoms, providing practical assistance, and encouraging professional help. Through patience, open communication, and informed support, loved ones can help mothers-to-be feel valued, understood, and empowered on their pregnancy journey.

By supporting her mental well-being during pregnancy, you are helping to ensure a healthier and happier environment for both mother and baby, laying the foundation for a positive transition into parenthood.