27/06/2008
Blues during pregnancy affects development
by Kate Harvey
Research released today has found that children whose mothers suffer ante-natal depression may suffer delays to their cognitive development.
Post-natal depression has already been shown to affect a child's progress, but the new evidence suggests that suffering depression during pregnancy can also have a negative impact.
Dr Toity Deave lead author of the report said:
“The most important finding is that maternal ante-natal depression has a negative impact on children’s cognitive development, even when post-natal depression has been taken into account.”
Ante-natal depression has not been as well publicised as post-natal depression, and was only acknowledged by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in their guidelines last year.
Tommy’s research midwife Annette Briley told this website:
“Understanding the impact that ante-natal depression can have on both mother and baby is becoming increasingly important. Recent survey evidence has suggested that up to 34% of pregnant women feel depressed, and this is a significant risk factor for post-natal depression.
"Depression can produce a similar bodily reaction to stress, which evidence has already suggested can lead to an adverse outcome in pregnancy."
"It is vital more research is carried out in this area so that women receive appropriate care and support to ensure they remain well and their babies have the best chance of being born healthy.”