![Chief scientific adviser Professor Lucy Chappell: 'It’s crucial every woman has access to the support they need'](/media/4kkpfrjg/lucy-chappell-headshot.png?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da612c0eed29d0)
Being pregnant - whether it’s your first time or your fifth – is a huge life change.
And huge life changes, even good ones, can be overwhelming. Pregnancy can bring a rollercoaster of emotions even in the early weeks. And women can feel upset, tearful or anxious in the first few weeks after giving birth – in fact the “baby blues” can affect up to 80 per cent of new mums.
Most women adapt to these changing emotions through pregnancy and after birth with the support of family and friends. But sometimes feelings of or stress persist which can be a sign of antenatal or postnatal depression. This can affect 1 in 10 women, as well as fathers and partners. So it’s important to know where to turn to for help.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here