A study has found that one in eight Kiwi women suffer from symptoms of depression while pregnant, highlighting the need for more support.
Researchers have analysed interviews with 5664 women in the last months of pregnancy, who were enrolled in the Growing Up in New Zealand study.
The study found that 11.9 per cent of pregnant women in New Zealand showed signs of antenatal depression.
It also found women diagnosed with anxiety before and during pregnancy were three times more likely to suffer from antenatal depression.
Although less well-known than postnatal depression, antenatal depression could have significant effects on the health of both a mother and her unborn child.
