New app to help with postnatal depression

Pregnancy can often lead to feelings of uncertainty and fear. Photo / Thinkstock

There's a new app designed to help reduce stress during pregnancy and lower the risk of developing postnatal depression.

Created by beyondblue and Smiling Mind, the free app features guided meditations that are voiced by Australian Network Ten's Carrie Bickmore.

"At least one in seven women will experience postnatal depression and up to one in 10 will experience it during pregnancy," said beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman.

"Anxiety conditions are thought to be at least as common as depression during this time.

"Even for those who don't experience mental health problems, pregnancy can often lead to feelings of uncertainty and fear."

The app has been designed by mental health professionals and is based on research showing the benefits of mindfulness - the process of not worrying about the past or future and instead paying attention to the present moment.

Signs and symptoms antenatal and postnatal depression:

Almost 10 per cent of women will experience depression during pregnancy. This increases to 16 per cent in the first three months after having a baby.

• Feelings of unhappiness
• Poor appetite
• Insomnia
• Low self-esteem
• Loss of libido
• Fear of being alone, or fear of the baby

Photo / iTunes App Store

- AAP